The mold you see around the sink or shower is usually harmless, but an excessive amount of toxic black mold can be harmful to people. Individuals with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly are particularly at risk from toxic mold exposure. Toxic mold can cause severe symptoms, lead to chronic conditions, and even death. One of the more common illnesses associated with prolonged mold exposure is toxic mold syndrome (TMS), also called “sick home syndrome.”
Mold is a part of nature and can be found almost anywhere moisture and water exist. Mold becomes a problem when there is an excess of water and mold is left to grow and multiple. Mold, a fungi, can spread by reproducing tiny cells called spores that waft through the air.
Mold produces allergens, which can be irritating to an individual if inhaled or touched. Exposure to mold spores over an extended period of time can cause an adverse reaction in individuals. A reaction to mold irritants can be immediate or delayed. Individuals with asthma or who are allergic to mold spores may experience an immediate attack after initial exposure. All too often, however, symptoms of toxic mold exposure go untreated because they are passed off as minor ailments like allergies or sleepiness.
Learning the Signs of Toxic Mold Syndrome
Toxic mold syndrome doesn’t always present itself the way other conditions do, making it difficult to detect and diagnose. One of the reasons TMS can be difficult to diagnose is the delayed onset of symptoms. Not every person who is exposed to mold will have an immediate reaction to it. Over time and consistent exposure to toxic mold, an individual may notice a persistent headache or an overall “feeling of tiredness.”
Some other symptoms associated with TMS are:
- Sensitivity to light
- Dry cough
- Skin conditions like psoriasis
- Shortness of breath
- Vision problems
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Brain fog
- Muscle cramps and weakness
- Dizziness and a feeling of being “off-balance”
- Chest tightness or pain
- Night sweats
- Cold and flu-like symptoms
- Aggravated or developing asthma
Toxic mold can be found in almost any building structure, including private homes, commercial buildings, and apartments. It’s important to remember dangerous mold can exist anywhere excessive moisture is found. If you’ve recently had a plumbing leak in your new home, don’t assume mold won’t be a problem just because the house is new.
Here are a few places toxic mold can be found:
- Office buildings
- High rises
- Apartment complexes
- Private homes
- Commercial buildings
- Construction sites
- Daycare centers
- Government structures
- Gyms
- Grocery stores
Flooding, water leaks, poor ventilation, and high humidity levels can be a breeding ground for mold regardless of how old or new the structure is.
How Do You Know if Toxic Mold is to blame?
Have you been experiencing any of the symptoms above and aren’t sure if toxic mold is to blame? It can be hard to know if you’ve got a mold problem, which is why we’ve put together a list of questions to help determine if bad mold might be the cause of your problem…
- Was there a recent flood in your home or apartment?
- Does anyone else who lives or works in the same building complain of similar symptoms?
- Has your doctor been unable to diagnose your symptoms?
- Did you move to a new home or apartment recently?
- Have you smelled a mold or “musty” scent in your home or office?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it would be beneficial to investigate further. Remember, most people don’t know they have a mold problem until they’ve gotten sick or have a family member who’s experiencing symptoms of TMS.
What To Do if You’ve Got a Mold Problem
If you believe black mold is to blame for the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, we recommend you:
Get Medical Help
Get medical help as soon as possible. If you haven’t done so already, make an appointment to see your doctor. It’s important to get on a treatment plan and make sure your symptoms are documented. If possible, make an appointment with a doctor who has experience treating toxic mold syndrome and inflammatory conditions.
Collect Evidence
Take pictures of anything you think might be the source of a mold problem, such as water damage or leaks. Any type of property damage should be documented as well. Also, don’t wait to collect evidence. Unfortunately, “evidence” can disappear all too quickly if the property owner suspects you might make a complaint.
Report the Issue
If the potential mold issue is not at the house you own, report the issue to the property owner or manager. Give the responsible party the chance to repair or fix any issues and keep a record of any communication you have with the owner or manager. If a known issue is not fixed or ignored, the property owner may be responsible for any damages related to your toxic mold illness or injury.
Save Your Receipts
If you’ve spent your own money on items related to the issue, save your receipts, and make a detailed list of expenses.
Get Legal Help
Contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles toxic mold attorney at Adamson Ahdoot LLP right away so you can learn what your legal rights are. You don’t have to face wrongdoers alone and in fact, we don’t recommend it. Our skilled lawyers have over 100 combined years of combined legal experience successfully representing clients who have filed mold injury claims against:
- Landlords
- Construction companies
- Real estate developers
- Home inspectors
- Previous homeowners
- Construction suppliers
- Architects and structural engineers
Seeking Legal Help for a Toxic Mold Illness or Injury
To talk about your potential mold claim, call Adamson Ahdoot LLP’s office now before state deadlines expire, and you’re not allowed to take legal action. It’s our mission to see you fairly compensated for lost earnings, hospital stays, doctor visits, medicine, emotional anguish, physical pain, and other types of damages. Fill out our free consultation form with no obligation to sign.