Toxic mold exposure can cause a variety of different challenges, often especially for those living in rented residential homes. Renters may need to secure temporary accommodations while their landlords address the mold and any property concerns that contributed to its development. They may require medical care because of any health challenges that arise because of mold exposure. In some cases, they may also experience career setbacks because of their exposure to toxic mold.
How can environmental exposure to mold negatively impact an individual’s career?
Problematic symptoms
Toxic mold exposure can cause respiratory issues. Co-workers may start avoiding someone who wheezes or coughs, even if they aren’t contagious. Mold-related illness can also cause changes in mood and behavior. In cases where people experience shifts in their conduct because of mold exposure, their job performance may suffer. The changes could affect their relationships with their co-workers or their ability to do their job effectively. Workers may lose their positions or may experience other career setbacks because of the symptoms caused by their mold exposure.
Missed work due to illness
In cases where professionals may require hospitalization, they may miss many days of work while they recover. They may also have sporadic absences afterward as they go in for follow-up care. Research has shown that employers consider even justified medical absences in a negative light when evaluating worker performance. Workers who miss multiple days or weeks of work could lose promotions, raises and other opportunities because of their illness.
The need to care for children or parents
Elderly individuals and young children are particularly susceptible to mold-related illnesses. In scenarios where vulnerable family members sustain major illnesses, one adult in the family may need to take a leave of absence or deprioritize their career to act as a caregiver. Not only may they lose out on wages temporarily, but their shift in focus to caregiving could have long-term implications for their career advancement.
Those seeking compensation for toxic mold exposure may need to consider more than just their current medical bills. Factoring in lost wages and reduced earning potential when seeking compensation can help people more effectively defray the economic impact of any health issues caused by toxic mold.