Mold: a Silent and Sometimes Invisible Health Risk

Mold can pose a serious health threat to the occupants of a building or home. Some people are extra sensitive to mold and suffer from eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation, and nasal problems. Reactions can worsen with exposure or with the level of sensitivity a person has. These health risks include difficulty breathing and mold lung infections. According to the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), studies suggest a link between early life mold exposure and the development of asthma, while the Institute of Medicine revealed in 2004 that there is sufficient evidence showing that indoor mold exposure does in fact lead to respiratory tract symptoms in healthy people. The World Health Organization (the WHO) issued a statement for health guidelines on indoor mold WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould

What is Mold and How Can I Get Rid of it?

Molds are fungi that grow in damp, humid, warm conditions. However, they can exist and spread in colder, drier conditions as well. Mold spreads by releasing spores into the air, which can pose a health hazard to humans. While there really is no limit as to where mold may exist in your house or office building, they are generally found in darker, wet areas such as the basement, the bathroom, or even near windows that may leak or have excessive condensation in the winter.
If your mold problem is minor, you may be able to clean it up yourself by hand. However, if you have become ill from the mold or it is too big of a problem to handle on your own, it is advised to hire a professional to deal with it.
● Mold can be killed with bleach and water or just soapy water with some scrubbing;
● Do not ever mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as this can produce deadly fumes;
● Open doors and windows for fresh air while cleaning mold;
● Use non-porous gloves and eye wear
● If the affected area is more than 10 square feet and you decide to clean it yourself, the CDC recommends consulting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.

In the event that you or anyone in your family has become ill due to toxic mold that you believe was no fault of your own, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages including health costs, lost wages, and property damage and repairs. A premises liability case such as this would be against one or multiple groups of the following:

● Contractors and developers must follow strict codes in order to ensure their building is safe and mold free. If a contractor or developer fails to do this, they may be held liable.
● Designers, suppliers, and manufacturers have an obligation to supply and use materials that are safe for the occupants of the building. They can be held liable if they fail to do this.
● An architect can be held liable if they fail to design a home or building to resist the growth of mold. The design of the building must be a major cause of the mold in order to file a claim against the architect.

Do not hesitate to contact an experienced mold liability attorney in the event that you or your family have suffered serious health issues from mold in your home or place of work.