Think about how many hours you spend indoors. If you work inside, that’s probably 8 hours per day at a minimum. Then you go home. You might be outside for an hour or two, but you otherwise are inside relaxing or handling other household chores.
Now think about the air you are breathing while inside. Where is it coming from? You’re breathing the ambient air which is affected by the immediate environment. In office buildings and other climate-controlled places, you’re probably breathing air that is recycled through a ventilation system that is decades old. If you live in an apartment building or condominium, you are also breathing shared air where you live.
The bottom line is that many of us are breathing air that can become infected with various toxins, and yet we often have no control over addressing that problem. Meanwhile, these toxins can lead to serious illnesses.
Who is at Risk
OHSA and the CDC have published many resources on toxic mold and report that those with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of infection from toxic molds. This includes cancer patients, people who have recently had surgery, or people taking medications that suppress their immune system.
However, people who have healthy immune systems may have mold allergies or simply be otherwise sensitive to mold. Healthcare professionals and scientists still don’t fully understand all of the potential effects of exposure to toxic mold, so we could all potentially be at risk. The following people may face a particular risk of exposure to toxic mold:
- People who work in an old office building with little access to fresh air from outdoors
- College students living in dormitories
- Seniors who live in assisted-living centers
- Working in a basement space or other damp, musty areas
- Living in an apartment or condominium building dependent on extensive ventilation systems
Potential Risks
Toxic mold presents a spectrum of possible health problems:
- Stuffy nose, wheezing, and red/itchy/watery eyes
- Itchy skin and other skin problems
- Mild to severe sinus infections
- Asthma
- Persistent coughing
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Lung infections
There are many other conditions and diseases that many believe may be caused by exposure to toxic mold, such as pneumonia and even multiple sclerosis.
What to Watch Out For
The most common toxic mold is Stachybotrys chartarum also known as “black mold.” Here are things to look for when identifying toxic mold:
- Damp, musty areas where you live or work
- A strong, musty smell similar to mildew
- A dark green or black colored mold that is slimy or wet in appearance
Persistent, unexplained health issues may also indicate the presence of black mold where you live or work.
Contact an Atlanta, Georgia Toxic Mold Lawyer
You have the right to live and work in a clean and healthy environment. Many people who seek out legal help report that they have been suffering from toxic mold for a long time, but their employers or landlords have ignored their pleas and refused to address the situation. As a result, their health continues to suffer, resulting in lost wages, a decline in their quality of life, and possibly even permanent disability.
If you’re suffering from toxic mold, the lawyers at Slappey & Sadd can help. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation – by phone at 404-255-6677 or simply send us an email via our online contact form.