Mold is a natural occurrence, but there are some very dangerous molds that can significantly affect your health. Toxic mold is known as stachybotrys chartarum. This form of mold, or black mold, is what became known as “Dateline Mold” after the news program presented a segment on its dangerous effects. Toxic mold is so dangerous that homeowners have filed lawsuits against their insurance companies and home builders after suffering health effects because of it.
If toxic mold may be present, a thorough home inspection will be able to identify the presence of the dangerous mold form, which should be professionally treated. Toxic molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins that can cause rashes, seizures, respiratory problems, unusual bleeding and severe fatigue. Stachybotrys chartarum toxic mold occurs when water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or flooding is present.
Requiring very wet or humid conditions to grow, this type of toxic mold will only grow on wood, paper and cotton products. It affects around two to five percent of American homes.
Mold Side Effects
Mold can grow almost anywhere, causing various mold side effects when it is present. Evidence indicates that people living in moldy surroundings will suffer mold side effects, including asthma, nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches and other symptoms. The exposure can set off allergic mold side effects in people with allergies, creating problems with wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, nasal and sinus congestion, irritated eyes, nose and throat, coughing, skin rashes, irritation and other effects.
If a homeowner believes mold is present in the home and that side effects from the mold are afflicting the family, a thorough home inspection should be able to identify evidence of dangerous and toxic mold. To prevent mold from becoming a health issue and causing mold side effects, the indoor moisture should be controlled. Should toxic mold be discovered, the problem should be professionally addressed.
Preventing Toxic Mold
All molds have the ability to cause adverse health effects, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some molds are known to produce potent toxins, and preventing toxic mold will keep the mycotoxins, the chemicals produced by toxic mold, from causing serious health problems. Since all molds requires moisture to grow, the most important aspect of preventing toxic mold is to keep indoor humidity less than 60 percent all year round in all areas of the home or building.
Preventing toxic mold in certain climates can be more difficult, and building occupants should be especially aware of areas in places around plumbing and in basement and crawl spaces that are not looked at on a regular basis. Toxic mold only grows on wood, paper and cotton products, but efforts for preventing toxic mold will help efforts in preventing any type of mold.
People will react to mold in different ways and preventing toxic mold will keep serious effects like rashes, seizures, respiratory problems, unusual bleeding, severe fatigue and other conditions from being suffered.
Contact an Experienced New York and New Jersey Toxic Mold Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the presence of toxic mold, call our experienced toxic tort lawyers today. We want to hear about your potential case so that we may help you attain the compensation you deserve. Call us at (800) 400-8182 or fill out our confidential contact form.