What Are Damages Caused by Mold Exposure?

Black mold is a specific type of fungus that releases dangerous airborne spores. While you may know what it looks like, it may be in an area that is hidden from your direct view, such as behind the walls, under the carpets, or inside an HVAC system. Therefore, without you knowing it, black mold may be deteriorating your health, slowly but surely. With that being said, please continue reading to learn the possible damages resulting from excessive mold exposure and how an experienced Passaic County slip and fall lawyer at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis can help you address this issue in your life.

Where might I possibly be exposed to mold?

Microscopic black mold spores are essentially present everywhere in our environment. Your exposure may only be made a critical issue if it is excessive and persistent over an extended period. For example, say that you have experienced plumbing issues in your rental unit’s bathroom, yet your landlord has been negligent in repairing it promptly despite your reports and requests. Well, this may cause your bathroom tiles to be constantly wet and create a breeding ground for mold.

In a similar example, say that your workplace faced a heavy rainstorm or other natural weather event that caused serious flood damage. Well, your employer should not mandate your return to the workplace until they have been diligent and ensured that all the damaged carpets, rugs, textiles, drywall, and ceiling tiles have been replaced. Otherwise, if these things never fully dry, they may secretly grow mold.

Lastly, say that you are a welcome visitor on another person’s private property. In an unfortunate scenario, mold spores may be blowing out of their air conditioning system. These spores can latch onto your clothing or even the fur of the pet you take with you. Nonetheless, it is the property owner’s responsibility to inspect all the facets of their private property, and confirm their cleanliness and overall safety before allowing outsiders to set foot on their premises.

What are the possible damages caused by mold exposure?

In a mild case of black mold exposure, you may simply experience an allergic reaction. Namely, you may be sneezing, have a runny nose, or have itchy eyes that may go away naturally with time. However, with excessive and persistent mold exposure, you may develop long-term respiratory issues. This may be all the more realistic if you already have underlying health conditions. Firstly, if you have asthma, you may be more susceptible to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is inflammation of the lungs.

Then, for pre-existing heart conditions, mold exposure may lead to endocarditis, a rare yet serious infection of the heart valves. For a weakened immune system, there is a higher likelihood of fungal infections. While research is still ongoing, there may be reason to believe that mold is linked to long-term neurological effects or even cancer, which you may know all too well are life-threatening, life-altering, or life-ending illnesses.

If you have made it this far, please do not hesitate to seek further information from a skilled Passaic County personal injury attorney. The team at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis is willing and able to guide you through your future legal processes.