Thursday, December 31, 2020

Toxic Mold: A Growing Problem

Although mold may seem like a household issue that can easily be dealt with by a homeowner and/or landlord can be extremely dangerous if left unchecked.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that can grow indoors on a variety of surfaces. Mold spores can be found on drywall, wallpaper, ceilings, wood floors, and carpets. Incredibly, there are over 5,000 different species of mold. Mold spores can enter your body through in two main ways. The first way is breathing in the mold spores through the respiratory system. The second is it entering your digestive system by you touching a surface with mold present and then touching your mouth.

Both can be equally dangerous and potentially lead to mold poisoning.

How Can I Tell if There Is Mold where I Live?

Mold primarily grows in locations that have a water source, are dimly lit, have high humidity and have a cool temperature. A mold cultivation is of a particular concern if there has been a leak recently in your building or household.

There are several key indicators that could highlight the presence of mold in a household. Be on the lookout for moisture on surfaces, including walls and ceilings in your living space. Additionally, stains, discoloration, or watermarks on the walls or ceilings may indicate a mold outbreak.  A damp smell or musty smell also may be telltale sign . Finally, if any member of your household has an unusually difficult time breathing or suffers from abnormal allergic reactions this could be a marker of a mold growth.

Symptoms and Health Conditions Related to Mold Exposure

Prolonged and persistent black or toxic mold exposure can cause a myriad of health issues. Common health problems that have been caused by black or toxic mold include:

  • Asthma and exacerbation of asthmatic conditions
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Coughing
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches
  • Hearing Loss
  • Hives
  • Nausea
  • Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome
  • Respiratory problems
  • Sick Building Syndrome
  • Skin Irritations
  • Sore Throat
  • Toxic encephalopathy
  • Wheezing

Even seemingly mild symptoms could worsen or be indicators of a more serious condition so it is important that you seek immediate medical attention should you have contact with black or toxic mold.

Knowing Your Rights

If you rent or lease the place that you are living, the owner and/or landlord of your residence is responsible for rectifying hazardous mold conditions in a timely manner. New York City has made it increasingly easier for individuals to report mold infestation in their residence. Indeed, there is a form created through New York’s non-emergency services program that tenants can submit to New York City. Once this form is submitted the tenant will receive a Service Request Ticket so that they can monitor the complaint and ensure the situation is rectified.

It is important to take photos of the mold growth so that the problem can be diagnosed and appropriately addresses. Importantly, mold does not go away on its own and must be reasonably addressed by a landlord or owner of the premises that you are residing in.

Being the victim of a slum landlord is not something you should have to go through alone. A qualified, experienced attorney can collect the right evidence and testimony to prove what you have been exposed to black or toxic mold and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. By holding the appropriate party responsible for their negligence you are not only protecting the health and safety of your family but are sending a message to all landlords that tenants have basic rights and that danger mold growths in rented premises will not be tolerated!

If you or a loved one was the victim of a victim of toxic mold, the toxic mold attorneys at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP are here to help. The toxic mold attorneys at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP are skilled at handling toxic mold claims. Our firm’s motto is “Don’t Be A Victim Twice”.  If you are a victim of a slum landlord and/or a victim of toxic mold, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation. The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay us unless we are successful.  That’s our “Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless Successful.



from Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP https://ift.tt/383biOr
via IFTTT

No comments:

Post a Comment