Mold often begins growing in dark, inaccessible places. It may develop inside walls or underneath carpeting. By the time there is visible mold growing in a living space, the people living at the property may have had high levels of exposure for months.
Toxic mold exposure can cause a host of medical complications. Some people experience high levels of mold exposure with minimal medical consequences. Others may develop major medical challenges because of their mold exposure.
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others to having adverse reactions to toxic mold exposure. Who is particularly vulnerable to toxic mold?
1. Infants and young children
The smaller a person is, the more likely they are to develop symptoms from a low dose of a toxic substance. Infants and young children who regularly inhale spores from toxic mold may be more likely than their older siblings or parents to develop medical issues.
2. Older adults
Age changes the human body. The function of the immune system may decline in some older adults. Elderly people may be particularly susceptible to illness and medical decline because of toxic mold exposure.
3. People with respiratory issues
A significant number of people have asthma. Others may have long-term respiratory damage from prior viral infections. Even smokers may have compromised respiratory function and an increased risk of illness related to exposure to toxic mold.
4. People with compromised immune systems
There are a variety of medical conditions that can compromise the effectiveness of the human immune system. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one example.
People undergoing certain types of medical treatment, like chemotherapy, may also have compromised immune systems. Those who struggle to fight off infections may also be particularly susceptible to the negative effects of toxic mold exposure.
5. People with mold allergies
Some people discover that they have a mold allergy after toxic mold exposure. Others may already be aware of their vulnerability. They may have undergone allergy testing or had allergic reactions in the past. Those with known allergies to antibiotics may be relatively susceptible to mold-related illness as well.
In scenarios where toxic mold exposure has caused medical issues, people may have healthcare costs and lost wages to cover. Filing a lawsuit can potentially lead to appropriate compensation for those harmed by exposure to toxic mold.