Toxic mold exposure is a serious health and safety issue. People expect the homes where they live to be reasonably safe, but some properties are more dangerous than people realize. Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum can grow whenever there’s a leak or other source of moisture.
Although black mold growth can be an obvious visible issue with the property, it often starts in discreet locations. It may grow underneath wallpaper, inside air ducts or behind appliances. By the time people actually see black mold, their families may have had exposure for months.
They may have experienced a variety of pressing medical issues that they could not previously explain, often caused by an allergy to mold. Certain groups are more at risk of having an adverse reaction to the presence of black mold in a residence than others.
Children
Children, especially infants, can be particularly vulnerable to black mold. Children can very easily excite themselves by running around in a home, meaning that they inhale more frequently and possibly more deeply than adults who are more sedentary. Their small bodies and developing immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to the impact of black mold.
Those with compromised immune system
Some people, including older adults, naturally have less powerful immune responses than the average person. A variety of medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS could also affect how someone’s body handles pathogens and infections. Cancer treatment can also affect the immune system. Those who have immune system challenges might be at risk of having a more severe reaction to toxic mold exposure.
People with respiratory issues
Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a host of other respiratory challenges can make black mold exposure more dangerous. Those who already struggle with breathing may find that black mold exposure significantly increases their medical challenges if they have an allergy.
In theory, landlords have an obligation to keep rental units clean and dry so that tenants aren’t at risk of toxic mold exposure. They also typically need to carry insurance in case improper facility maintenance has adverse consequences for their tenants. If landlords refuse to address the mold in a unit or the cost that mold exposure has generated, it may be necessary to take legal action over toxic mold exposure. Filing a civil lawsuit can force the landlord to correct mold issues and pay for the expenses generated due to toxic mold exposure.