Toxic mold contamination is a serious issue. Here are some frequently asked questions that may help.

What is Toxic Mold?

Toxic mold is a name given the four types of mold which are known to seriously harm humans. They are aspirilligus, stachbotrys, penicillium, and fusarium. Stachybotrys is the most toxic and is referred to as “black mold”. Asperilligus is the most common, and fusarium is sometimes interchanged with other less harmful mold types.

How is it spread?

Mold grows in colonies which are visible to the naked eye. The individual spores that make up the colonies are microscopic. It is the spores that enter the body to infect humans. Spores are released into the air when the colony is agitated. They travel through air alone or via ventilation systems, especially fiberglass coated ductwork. Toxic mold spores are either inhaled, ingested, or enter through the skin when touched.

What are the symptoms of contamination?

There are a wide variety of symptoms caused by toxic mold contamination. The most common and least serious, are allergy-like. These include sneezing, headaches, rashes, and fatigue. More moderate symptoms are flu-like, but also include nose bleeds, fever, asthma, urinary tract and ear infections, diarrhea, nail fungus, and vomiting. Mold causes severe illnesses such as emphysema, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, brain, liver, and kidney damage, and even death.

Those most at risk are the elderly, immune suppressed, infants and small children.

What should I do if I am infected?

Seek medical attention immediately, and have a professional remediate the mold colony.

How do I identify it?

You shouldn’t attempt to try. If you rent, contact the property owner. If you own the home, get a professional to test and remediate (get rid of) the mold right away—no matter what mold type it may be.

How do I know if I have a claim?

Contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in mold cases. The consultations are usually free. He can tell you whether you have a claim and give you advice as to how to proceed.

I have symptoms only when I’m at work, what should I do?

Seek medical attention immediately. Then consult a personal injury attorney who specializes in toxic mold. He can tell you how to proceed.