Can Black Mold Really Make You Sick?
There are thousands of horror stories about the health problems black mold fungus can cause.
Black mold sickness has become so common that there are many attorneys specializing in lawsuits that seek compensation for those who have suffered from this fungus. On the other hand, there are also a lot of people suggesting that black mold isn’t as dangerous as purported. So what’s the truth – just how dangerous is black mold?
Just What Is Black Mold?
There are thousands of different strains of mold. Most don’t cause illness. But some, like black mold, can pose serious health risks. These harmful stains create air-borne toxins. In high concentrations, the toxins can lead to serious health problems. “Toxic molds,” as these strains are misnamed, can cause upper respiratory symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, and other asthma symptoms.
This fungus can also cause people with weakened immune systems, like the young and the elderly, to be at risk for lung infections. The symptoms of black mold can be tricky to diagnose, as they mimic certain symptoms of hay fever, like dizziness, headache, and irritated eyes.
Black Mold in Homes and Workplaces
Though more dangerous for some, this fungus can make anyone sick. While it may not be the source of all the terrible health conditions many claim it to be, it can adversely affect your health.
Black mold sickness is chronically misdiagnosed. People who thought they were suffering from diseases like Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Emphysema, Chronic Lung and Sinus Infections, and Fatigue Syndrome were later diagnosed with black mold sickness.
Living in a moldy home or working in a moldy environment impedes your quality of life. Your home is supposed to be safe and comfortable. Your workplace is meant to be conducive to a productive working environment. A mold infestation can make you feel ill and uncomfortable, even with just mild symptoms. You shouldn’t have to deal with that on a daily basis.
How Does Black Mold Get In Your Home?
Mold can get into a building through vents, doors, and windows. The spores can even adhere to clothing or fur and walk in the door with you. Once inside, mold can grow on anything consistently moist. Hidden leaks and damp cellars are the most common places to find it. Black mold in particular tends to flourish on wet materials with a low nitrogen content, like fiberboard and paper.
Is Black Mold Common?
It’s not clear just how common black mold is. Strains like Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Penicillium are the most commonly found indoors. In fact, mold in general is very common, as it can grow anywhere there’s moisture. While black mold isn’t as common as these types, it’s certainly not rare. Perhaps that’s part of what makes these toxic molds so dangerous; they’re common and can sometimes be difficult to detect.
Fortunately though, most mold infestations do not cause health risks unless they’re rather large. An infestation big enough to cause health problems can usually be smelled or even seen. Evidence that abundant would be difficult for a landlord or building owner to miss.
Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer for Affects Caused by Black Mold
Liljegren Law Group of San Diego, California, specializes in personal injury cases in a variety of fields – including those involving black mold and comparable issues. We represent clients who have been injured on the job, at home, or out in the world. With specializations in landlord- tenant law and workers comp laws, we have the experience to represent you in cases where mold has affected your work or home life. Contact us today for more information, and find out how we can help.
Sources:
http://www.biosignlabs.com/Symptoms_Mold_Sickness.html
http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm#Q1
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/03/molds-making-you-ill.aspx