What are the Symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome (TMS)?

Toxic mold syndrome (TMS) is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to toxic mold. Toxic mold can exist anywhere moisture and oxygen are present, including homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and other structures. Although not every mold you find in a building or structure is toxic, several types of mold can cause serious illness, infection, or death if left to grow and multiply.

If the immune system becomes too weak due to excessive toxic mold exposure, an individual may suffer from a type of disease or disorder like:

• Bronchitis
• Cancer
• Respiratory infections
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Types of Toxic Mold & Corresponding Symptoms

There are several types of mold that can be toxigenic (toxin-producing mold), reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mold-related infection or illness symptoms can vary significantly and may differ depending on whether an individual is allergic, sick, or infected.

Here is a list of some of the more common toxic molds found in buildings and their corresponding symptoms:

Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mold)

Mucous membrane inflammation, headache, fever, respiratory issues, dermatitis, fatigue, muscle aches, and stomach cramps

Aspergillus

Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, headache, stuffy or runny nose, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, fever, chest pain

Blastomyces

Aching muscles, cough, unusual sleepiness or tiredness, fever, night sweats

Coccidioides

Fatigue, difficulty breathing, joint pain, rash headache, fever, dry cough

Sporothrix

Small, raised bumps on the skin (typically on the hands, fingers, or arms), cough, chest pain, and secondary infections

Cryptococcus Neoformans

Cough, labored breathing, fever, and chest pain

Histoplasma

Chest pain, fever, chest pains, cough, headaches, unusual tiredness, body aches, and chills

Uncovering the Cause of Toxic Mold Syndrome

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, and you believe you’ve been exposed to toxic mold, we highly recommend making an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to keep in mind that TMS and other inflammatory diseases aren’t always easy to diagnose, so if possible, keep a detailed journal of your symptoms. Also, it might be helpful to write down when you started feeling ill and what building you were in when you first noticed symptoms.

When determining the cause of TMS, it may be helpful to consider your environment as well. Has your home or apartment been flooded recently? Have you noticed your co-workers complaining of the same health issues? Have you recently moved to a new apartment? Do you only feel ill when you’re in a particular structure (e.g. at work or at school)? Finding the answers to these questions may help you determine the cause of why you’re not feeling well.

Determining Responsibility for Toxic Mold Syndrome-Related Injury or Illnesses

If you or a loved one has suffered from TMS and someone else’s negligence caused the illness to occur, you may be able to pursue legal action. We’ll work diligently to determine who might be responsible, such as a landlord, property manager, construction company, subcontractor, or real estate developer.

We have handled cases stemming from dangerous mold in commercial buildings, new homes, office buildings, schools, daycare centers, and many other various types of buildings. Working with the best experts in forensics and medicine, we have recovered large settlements for our clients. These settlements have compensated clients for medical bills, lost wages, shortened life expectancy, therapy, and pain and suffering.

You shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Get in touch with our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Adamson Ahdoot LLP, today to find out how we can help you get compensation for various types of damages related to your severe injury or illness.