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What is Black Mold?

Black mold(Stachybotrys chartarum) is a specie of mold that is commonly associated with poor air quality in homes and commercial spaces. It gets its name from its color, which is significantly darker than that of common mold growth. It is also referred to as “black toxic mold” because of its ability to produce poisonous metabolites called mycotoxins. Since ancient times, man has learned that prolonged exposure to black mold and its toxins can cause an array of health issues ranging from mild irritation to deadly diseases such as cancer and neurological damage.

Biologists are not exactly sure why black mold produces mycotoxins. The popular theory is that this poison weakens infected hosts, making them more habitable to mold spores. These toxins could also be a defense mechanism for the black mold specie that wards off potential competition from other organisms.

Given the right conditions, black mold can grow just about anywhere. As long as there is enough moisture and a low degree of ventilation in a secluded area, mold can thrive and cause damage. If you suspect black mold growth in your Texas or Oklahoma property, call a professional mold remediation service provider like LMS Restoration to take care of the mold before it becomes a bigger issue.

Health Risks of Black Mold Exposure

Black mold’s spores and toxins can have varying effects on humans. The following factors are universally believed to play a role in the kind of symptoms a person experiences when exposed to black mold spores and the mycotoxins they produce the:

  • Length of exposure time
  • Potency of the mycotoxin
  • Immune system strength
  • Allergic tendencies
  • Medium of exposure (skin contact, inhalation, ingestion)

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For physically fit and non-mold allergic people who experience minimal exposure to black mold, the following symptoms are common:

  • Skin irritation
  • Coughing
  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Sneezing
  • Nosebleeds

For the elderly, pregnant women, young children, people who have weak immune systems, allergies, pre-existing respiratory conditions and those who experience heavy exposure to black mold, the following adverse effects have been documented:

  • Asthma attacks
  • Allergic reactions
  • Pulmonary bleeding
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Renal bleeding
  • Cancer

Black Mold Remediation from LMS Restoration in Texas and Oklahoma

If you spot black mold growth in your property, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Health experts and federal authorities agree that this is a task best left to experienced professionals such as LMS Restoration. We have the knowledge, tools and protective equipment for the safe and effective removal of black mold wherever it may exist in your home or place of business.

Doing a DIY job on mold cleanup can yield more harm than good. Traditional cleanup methods such as bleaching have been proven to worsen the problem instead of solving it. When done incorrectly, a mold cleanup job can actually spread black mold spores to a larger area in your property, allowing the colony to spread even farther than where it originally was. Disturbing spore colonies is a dangerous proposition because spores can become airborne with the slightest impact, creating a health risk for you and your loved ones.

Contact LMS Restoration today and get a free inspection and quote. We will come to your home or commercial property, assess the black mold damage and give you our professional recommendation. We work well with Texas and Oklahoma insurance firms, increasing the strength of your claim. We pride ourselves on restoring your mold-damaged property to pre-mold condition and preventing the recurrence of the infestation.

Call us today at 903-229-4846 or send us a message via the Contact Us page. Our friendly and professional representatives are standing by to assist you. For water, fire and mold damage restoration services in Texas and Oklahoma, trust LMS Restoration!