If you are experiencing black mold in your Alexandria, VA home, then yes, you should be concerned. Black mold can play havoc with those sensitive to or allergic to mold. Black mold, or any mold, can cause symptoms in people allergic to them or those exposed for an extended period.
Some of the most common symptoms of black mold exposure include the following—
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Coughing
- Dry, scaly skin
Black mold exposure may trigger an attack in Alexandria, VA family members with asthma. A mold–induced asthma attack could be any of these symptoms—
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
What is Black Mold?
Black mold grows on wood, paper products, and cotton inside your Alexandria, VA home. A common black mold is known as Stachybotrys chartarum or “toxic mold.” Black mold can also be a greenish color.
Sometimes it produces toxic chemicals found in its airborne spores and fungus fragments. These are called mycotoxins and, if ingested, are dangerous. Airborne spores, when inhaled, can wreak havoc on people with asthma, allergies, or other hypersensitivities.
What Causes Black Mold?
Mold grows and will spread quickly in the right conditions. The conditions inside your home in Alexandria, VA may include the following—
- Humidity (moisture level) at or over 70%
- Oxygen
- Temperatures ranging from 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Adequate food sources, such as drywall
Mold can grow anywhere in your Alexandria, VA home with these conditions provided. You will find these conditions most likely in these places—
- Basements that have high humidity
- Wherever you have had a water leak
- Wherever there has been any flooding
- Areas with lots of water condensation
- Damp rooms without proper ventilation, such as the bathroom
Always periodically do a visual inspection of your Alexandria, VA home for black mold and any other issues you might be having. A small water leak that goes unnoticed for a long time can cause an enormous amount of mold growth. It’s better to take extra precautions so your home in Alexandria, VA isn’t run over by black mold.
Any questions you might have, please call the team at Envirotex. They will be glad to help you.