Homeowners work hard to maintain a consistently well-kept condition on their properties. But once an unexpected incident arises that results in water damage, you’ll surely need to contact a contractor to work on renovating your ruined interior.
Even if you think you’ve “handled” the problem yourself, you should know that water damage poses worse threats if left untreated properly—so much so that your house’s original interior mishap will suddenly become the thing of the past! They can even lead to black mould formation, which could affect your health and put your family at risk.
The best thing you can do is call water damage restoration services right away to avoid wasting more time and prevent your situation from becoming too much to handle. You might think that just because the flooding in your house has stopped running, then it’s over. But it’s only the beginning for black mould—from there, it will start breeding and eventually affect your entire household.
What is Black Mould, and Why is It Dangerous?
Black mould is a type of microfungus that appears in the form of black and green spots. It’s a toxic substance that lives in damp and dimly lit areas and rooms held by drywalls and fibreboards.
Aside from its prominent features, black mould typically has a dank stench that gives its presence away even if they may not easily be seen. If you accidentally spill water on a surface and forget to clean it, you can expect black mould to appear soon enough.
The Dangers of Coming Into Contact With Black Mould
Black mould poses a threat to people with respiratory problems like asthma or allergies, where exposure to toxic substances can make symptoms worse. In addition, those who have weak immune systems and require additional care can also be affected by the complications that black mould brings.
Besides people with health issues, babies and children should also stay away from black mould because being exposed to it can cause them to develop asthma over time. Despite the lack of definitive research to prove that black mould really does have adverse effects on the human body, they’re still noticeably dangerous to your health!
How to Tell if You’ve Been Exposed to Black Mould
You can tell if you’ve been exposed to black mould if you start to experience mild signs that can turn into severe conditions in the long run. The symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and having difficulty breathing.
Others may also experience having a sore throat, watery eyes, and uncontrollable sneezing. There may also be the appearance of rashes on one’s body and feeling exhausted despite not doing enough physical activities. At first, you might think you just have the flu, so you might dismiss your sickness as something normal.
When left unattended by a doctor, it can lead to experiencing shortness of breath, coming down with a fever, or feeling nauseous. Unfortunately, not initiating safety precautions can lead your situation to develop into pneumonia—which is a life-threatening disease!
Conclusion
If you aren’t sure whether you came across black mould or you’re just experiencing the flu, it’s best to consult with an expert to help you out. It’s also integral to request mould removal at the first sign of mould to prevent it from spreading throughout your house and affecting you and your loved ones. Remember to remain calm, call a professional, stay away from the affected area, and wait for help to arrive.
Are you looking for water damage repairs in Edmonton to help mitigate the risks of mould infestations? Nationwide Restorations is a leading company that caters to disaster recovery and damage restoration services, assisting homeowners and businesses in dire need. Get in touch with us today to book an assessment!