Mold Related Health Issues

If the concentration level of mold in a home or building is higher than that outdoors, there is a risk for mold exposure-related health problems. In some cases, the adverse health reactions can be serious, or even deadly.

It is difficult to predict the severity of mold exposure reactions because of the numerous mold strains that can grow in homes and buildings. Reactions also vary among people depending on their predisposition for respiratory illnesses, which can be genetic and/or exacerbated by other conditions such as asthma or allergies. There is also a lack of consensus among medical professionals regarding illnesses associated with toxic mold exposure.

It is generally agreed, however, that persons at most risk for illness from mold exposure include, infants, young children, the elderly, organ transplant recipients, those receiving chemotherapy treatment, and persons with allergies, a lung condition (such as asthma or obstructive lung disease), or diseases or conditions that weaken immune defenses (such as HIV infection).

Potential health effects of mold exposure include:

• Exacerbation of allergies
• Respiratory problems (such as an exacerbation of asthma, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and/or shortness of breath)
• Mold infection in the lungs (especially in those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases)
• Flu-like symptoms (such as sore throat, coughing, and/or fever)
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Watering and burning eyes
• Skin reactions
• Headaches

More serious potential adverse effects of mold exposure include:

• Suppression of the immune system
• Bleeding in the lungs
• Memory loss
• Brain damage
• Death

If you or a loved one experiences any of these mold related health effects, you should contact a health care professional immediately. You should also consider contacting a qualified personal injury attorney with experience in mold exposure cases. You may be entitled to compensation.