{"id":369108,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/construction-defects\/mold-associated-illnesses.html"},"modified":"2024-04-24T09:54:36","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T14:54:36","slug":"mold-associated-illnesses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/construction-defects\/mold-associated-illnesses.html","title":{"rendered":"Mold Associated Illnesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mold Associated Illnesses<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A variety of illnesses are associated with toxic mold exposure in a home or business. Ultimately, it is difficult to predict how someone will react to mold. Some people are more predisposed to serious respiratory illnesses due to conditions such as allergies or asthma. Depending on the person exposed, mold exposure may cause ill health effects that range from severe health problems to minor annoyances. The following is a brief guide to the risks and illnesses associated with toxic mold.<\/p>\r\n

Medical Data on Mold \u2013 No Consensus<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The medical community has not reached a solid consensus on illnesses associated with toxic mold exposure. The level of indoor mold concentration considered \u201chealthy\u201d even varies widely among health professionals. As a simple rule, if the concentration level of mold in a home or commercial building is higher than the concentration outdoors, the possibility of adverse (and potentially serious) health problems exists.<\/p>\r\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>, mold spores can emit toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. The mycotoxins can have different health effects depending on the extent of exposure and a person\u2019s pre-existing conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<\/a> advises that mold is not necessarily a problem unless it starts to affect the indoor environment.<\/p>\r\n

How Does Mold Come About?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Mold problems can arise in a variety of ways. But the presence of mold-related issues usually correlates with moisture problems. Many types of mold, such as penicillium, aspergillus, or Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), thrive in dampness. Sources of moisture, such as water damage exacerbated by poor air conditioning, can speed fungal or mold growth.<\/p>\r\n

Inspect areas more susceptible to poor indoor air quality to identify moldy areas. That includes:<\/p>\r\n