Mold and health related risks are growing and they should not be taken lightly. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mold and mildew develop quickly – in about 24-48 hours of water exposure.

Molds: What is it?

Mold is mostly harmless microscopic organisms/fungi that grow in damp environments. They are omnipresent and can be found in the soil, air, homes, workplaces, and basically any place that has moisture and some organic matter. The common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium verrucosum. The two household molds, Stachybotrys and Memnoniella, are toxic and pose serious health risks to humans.

Modern Buildings are Susceptible to Mold

Sick or fungi infested buildings are the major cause of fungal illnesses, mainly mycotoxicosis. Construction materials and techniques used in residential zones, retail/commercial stores, offices, factories and schools have undergone a change over the years in America. There is extensive usage of paper/cellulose based building materials, such as insulation, drywall, fiberboard, wallpaper and ceiling tiles. As a result, mold now has the perfect environment to grow and thrive when these materials become wet or even moist. Toxic molds created a pandemic when the south was hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The “Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act” addresses a few things, such as:

• Scientific examination of molds and its after effects, and educating the public regarding this.
• Provisions made for routine mold inspections for multi-unit residential properties and public housing.
• Indoor mold hazard assistance and certain grants for the removal of mold from public buildings.
• Tax credits for remediation and/or inspection of toxic mold.
• Introduction of the national toxic mold insurance program with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This program aims to protect humans against catastrophic losses caused by toxic mold.
• Health care provisions, such as Medicaid, for mold victims.

Health hazards caused by Mold

If exposed to hazardous molds, such as Stachybotrys or Chaetomium, a person can experience headaches, respiratory problems and also suffer from:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Learning disabilities
• Mental retardation
• Cancer
• Heart related problems
• Multiple sclerosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Lupus
• Lungs bleeding
• Multiple sensitivity towards chemicals
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Loss of memory and/or brain damage (under extreme circumstances)
• Lung disease
• Infant death
• Mood swings
• Tremors
• Anxiety

Is Your Home Safe?

In a situation where a family member is affected by toxic mold, you have a legal right to file a claim against:

• Your landlord
• People who sold you a mold infected house and did not disclose
• Contractors who built your house
• Homeowner’s insurance companies
• Suppliers who provided defective/infected materials

You also have the legal right to cover the costs of:

• Repair
• Emotional distress
• Medical expenses
• Replacement/repair of ruined household items
• Inspection charges

Mold is increasingly becoming a threat to us in the environment and the type of houses we live in. You need to contact an experienced and reliable lawyer in case you are affected by toxic mold to represent your case.

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