Toxic Mold
Common Questions about Toxic Mold
What is mold?
Molds are fungi that are present both indoors and outdoors. They reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air which can grow on just about any organic substance. Mold spores enter homes and buildings through open windows and doors and even through people and pets to whom spores have been attached.
Where does mold grow?
Moisture is the culprit for most mold growth in homes and buildings. Any type of water damage can create the perfect condition for mold growth, including problems with plumbing, leaking roofs, flooding, high humidity and condensation.
What is toxic mold?
Toxic mold is the unscientific name given to mold that is dangerous to human health. You see, molds in themselves, are not toxic, but certain molds can produce airborne toxins called mycotoxins. While some people are allergic to all molds and will begin to experience an allergic reaction when any mold is present, certain mycotoxins are believed to cause serious health conditions in otherwise healthy people.
There are several types of toxic mold, but the two main types of molds that can be hazardous to human health are stachybotrys and chaetomium. Stachybotrys is a mold that is present in many water-damaged buildings, particularly those that have sustained flood damage. Chaetomium is commonly found in soil and decaying plants and causes cellulose products, like paper, to deteriorate.
How do you get rid of mold?
If you have a mold problem in your home or building, it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible; identifying the type of mold is not as important as getting rid of it. For small patches of mold growth, you can remove the mold with a rag and soapy water. After washing the mold away, it is a good idea to use a bleach and water mixture to kill any mold that may be remaining. For larger areas, it may be a good idea to have the mold professionally removed.
Once you remove mold, it is important to address the problem responsible for causing the mold so that you can prevent it from returning. Installing dehumidifiers, insulating pipes and fixing leaky roofs can go a long way to combat mold.
Unfortunately, toxic mold can form in places where it is not visible, like under carpet or on wallboard. This can make toxic mold difficult to detect before it causes serious health problems. Some believe that toxic mold can be responsible for conditions like chronic bronchitis, heart problems, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Should I contact an attorney?
Establishing a direct link between a mycotoxin and a disease can be difficult. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to help you seek damages for the health issues you face as a result of toxic mold. An attorney can conduct an investigation to see if defective construction, improper maintenance of a rental property or inappropriate building materials is the root cause of a toxic mold problem and help you hold the responsible party accountable for your poor health.
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