In recent decades, the word “mold” has become increasingly frightening – especially when that mold is in a home or office where people spend hours around it. While not all mold is toxic, all mold can potentially be dangerous to people with respiratory issues, compromised immune systems and other medical conditions. Children, elderly people and pets can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold if it’s left untreated.
Here in Orange County, which can experience months of drought followed by days of wind-driven rain, people often learn of broken window seals and other issues in need of repair only when rain starts seeping into walls and puddling there. They also might not realize that a recent earthquake has shifted things just enough that a seal broke or a drain pipe cracked until water starts showing up where it shouldn’t, and mold along with it.
Signs that your mold is toxic
Toxicity is caused by mycotoxins. In a recent post, we discussed some of the common symptoms of toxic mold exposure. Even if no one in your home or workplace is experiencing these symptoms (yet), there are other ways to determine if mold you are being exposed to is toxic – short of hiring a professional to test it. These include a bad, musty smell – like something rotting.
Another common sign is dark rings or spots that return even after you’ve cleaned and disinfected an area. Even though the term “black mold” is common, mold can often be green, gray or other colors. Toxic mold can spread and become a serious health risk to anyone if it’s not dealt with by a professional.
Landlords have a responsibility to their tenants to remove toxic mold
If you’re renting a property (whether an apartment, home or commercial space), it’s important to make the property owner aware of the issue as soon as you find mold so that they can get someone out there to test and remediate it. They’re required by law to fix the problem – not just paint, wallpaper or put new flooring over it without properly removing the mold.
Unfortunately, landlords too often ignore signs of mold – even toxic mold. They simply cover it up so that new tenants aren’t aware of it until people start to get sick. If you’re dealing with a situation where a property owner has let toxic mold go unchecked and you, your loved ones or your employees have suffered harm as a result, you have the right to hold them liable. To learn more, it’s wise to seek experienced legal guidance as soon as possible.