Toxic Mold: Illnesses and Health Risks

Toxic Mold: Illnesses and Health Risks

There are generally health concerns with regards to mold and health risks. Unfortunately, numerous misconceptions about mold have led to widespread fear of what is referred to as toxic mold that can be found anywhere from homes, in schools, workplaces etc. This article will discuss the associated health risks from exposure to mold that warrant lawsuits and personal injury claims. It must be understood that mold is a form of fungus that grows both indoors and outdoors and thrives in warm, damp and humid environments. However, it must be noted that there are over a thousand varieties of mold and the reality is that the presence of a moderate amount of mold in your home or workplace does not generally pose much of a health risk. Most health problems that arise from mold exposure is as a result of a build-up of high concentrations of mold. It is important to realize that relatively little is known for certain about the health effects of exposure to mold, even though there are a number of high profile cases in which serious illnesses were alleged to have resulted from exposure to mold. However, there are still relatively few established links between mold exposure and any particular medical diagnosis. It must be noted that the following should be taken into consideration when discussing health threats associated with mold:

• It is often challenging to figure out what may be causing certain symptoms of illness or disease in any given individual
• There is a lack of firm medical data connecting mold exposure to a particular set of symptoms
• The term toxic mold adds to the confusion that all mold may cause certain symptoms if it is present in high enough concentrations.

That being said it is generally accepted that there are certain people who are more likely to be sensitive to mold exposure as compared to others. Such persons includes those with asthma or other lung conditions, compromised immune systems or other preexisting illnesses. Infants as well as the elderly are probably also at higher risk of developing problems associated with their health due to exposure to mold. Based on the current scientific knowledge mold related health problems generally fall into one of the following categories: Allergic reactions - as with allergies in general sensitivity to molds differs from one person to the next. However, symptoms generally include nasal stuffiness, irritated eyes, coughing, wheezing or skin irritation. More severe reactions come through as flu-like symptoms, fever and shortness of breath. Aspergillosis this is the name of the most common occurring molds that typically causes the allergic type symptoms described above. Healthy people can contract aspergillosis it is common in people with asthma, cystic fibrosis and other pre-existing lung conditions or health problems. This type of mold does not pose a health risk except when found in high concentrations. Toxin related illnesses - there have been attempts to link exposure to toxic mold with a number of serious diseases and injuries, however, these efforts have proven to be shaky. For legal advice seek out a vehicle accident law firm that handles personal injury matters.