Contact An Experienced New York And New Jersey Toxic Mold Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the presence of toxic mold, call our experienced toxic tort lawyers today. We want to hear about your potential case so that we may help you attain the compensation you deserve. Call us at 400-8182 or fill out our confidential contact form.
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Could Your Depression Anxiety Brain Fog And Insomnia Be Due To Mold Toxicity
Toxic mold based illness is a very prevalent and under diagnosed condition that can manifest in many different ways, including with symptoms that are exclusively psychiatric, such as depression, anxiety, attentional problems, brain fog and insomnia. Vulnerability to mold toxicity is only present in 25% of the population, who in most cases, have a genetic predisposition which inhibits their clearance of biotoxins. A family can all be living in the same house with mold growth, but only one family member will become ill. This is because that person is the only one with the genetic vulnerability.
Mold growth is initiated through water damage. Due to common building practices of using Drywall or Sheetrock, which was not a construction material used in the past, more people are now being exposed to toxic mold, as Drywall is a great medium for mold growth. In addition, the current practice of making homes more energy efficient, means that there is less ventilation with outside air, and toxic mold gasses can be trapped inside, potentiating their effect.
Mold toxins can accumulate in the body, continuing to wreak havoc long after exposure ceases and require an extended course of treatment. But for everyone, the first and most crucial step in treatment, is to identify where the mold is located and to get away from it.
Some of the common symptoms of toxic mold and CIRS are:
1. Fatigue
36. Metallic Taste
37. Tremors
How To Find A Mold Removal Contractor
To find a mold removal contractor in your area, you can check the Yellow Pages. Another option is to type “mold removal contractor” + the name of your town or city in the search box on Google or another search engine. You should be able to get a listing of local contractors who can provide assistance to you. The following websites may be helpful as well:
Certified Mold Inspectors provides lists of mold inspectors and mold remediators in the United States, Canada, and Asia.
The HandyAmerican website allows homeowners in the United States and Canada to post the details of their project . Qualified contractors will provide quotes for the work. Homeowners can see a full profile on each contractor, including references, level of experience, and insurance information.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of black mold poisoning listed above, please see a doctor. Be sure to mention whether you have recently moved or have experienced water damage to your home or office. It’s an important piece of information and will help the doctor to give you the correct diagnosis for your condition.
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The Dangers Of Mold Exposure For Dogs
Do you have mold in your home?
Its an important question you need to answer because, left unchecked, mold exposure can cause serious health problems for your dog .
Your dog is continuously exposed to mold spores in the air. Like humans, some dogs are more susceptible to mold spores than others. By understanding how to spot and address mold exposure, you can protect your dog from the harmful effects of mold.
Any area of your home that gets damp and retains moisture for any reason at all can not only damage the structure and create costly repairs, but can impact the health of the people and pets who live there.
Every home has moisture issues, whether from condensation, high humidity or water leaks. And every home has the elements that are required for mold growth.
The health risks of human exposure to mold are well documented. According to the CDC , symptoms of mold exposure can include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. More severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic lung illnesses may develop mold infections in their lungs.
And its not just people who can get sick from mold. Your dog can be affected too.
What Is Toxic Black Mold
Black mold grows in damp areas of homes and other buildings. It appears as black splotches on floors, walls, or ceilings. A small patch of mold in or near a bathtub or a shower is not usually something a homeowner should be concerned about a large patch of black mold is a more serious problem.
Black mold can cause health problems in humans because it releases toxic spores into the air. When these spores are inhaled, they can cause health problems in humans.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure
Black mold, also known as toxic black mold or Stachubotrys, can cause many serious heath problems if found inside a home. There are numerous negative health effects from mold exposure, such as mental impairment, breathing problems, internal organ damage, and in some cases, even death. The symptoms of black mold exposure can be separated into different groups depending upon the area affected by mold presence.
Coughing And Shortness Of Breath
The irritation and inflammation caused by mold often lead to frequent coughing that is otherwise unexplained.
The throat and lungs are irritated continuously when repeatedly exposed to mycotoxins. If the issue isnt addressed, this coughing can develop into more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The same inflammation that causes irritated, constricted airways that lead to wheezing and coughing can eventually lead to shortness of breath.
This gives a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may feel like you are unable to take in a full breath.
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Effects Of Mold On Children
Correlations have been found between exposure to excessive moisture or mold in a home or school environment and the presence of respiratory issues, including infections, repeated wheezing, and prolonged cough. In children with long-term exposure to molds, there were significant neurologic findings on clinical neurologic and neurobehavioral tests, as well as abnormalities on a series of neurophysiological tests, including electroencephalography, brainstem evoked potential, visual evoked potential, and somatosensory evoked potential.
A study in Poland looked at cognitive functioning in infants exposed to mold in contaminated homes. In these children, the longer the exposure to indoor molds was associated with deficits in IQ. Another study in Spain revealed that persistent home dampness in a childs bedroom during early life was associated with a significant decrease in the general cognitive score on 2 measures of intelligence.
From Concise To Confused
Out of nowhere, Kimberlyn went from a highly-effective, busy, working mother, to a disorganized, uninvolved, confused individual who couldnt focus long enough to put together cohesive, coherent thoughts. She was no longer able to make decisions for herself and struggled to even get dressed in the morning. Insomnia, anxiety, and a loss of appetite accompanied the confusion. It was like I lost my personality, says Kimberlyn.
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Sneezing And Nasal Congestion
While many things can trigger sneezing, its also a symptom of mold toxicity that should get your attention. If youve never had allergies or hay fever symptoms and youre positive you dont have a cold, those sneezes could be indicative of mold exposure.
Sneezing is the immune systems standard response to allergens. It could also be a warning sign that your home has a mold problem.
Do Air Purifiers Help With Mold
An air purifier can help reduce the concentration of spores in the air during the initial cleanup, though filters may need be changed frequently. An air purifier can also help right after the cleanup to remove lingering mold particles. This can help remove some of the musty smell associated with a mold problem.
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The Truth About Black Mold
Maybe youve heard that black mold is the most dangerous type of mold, but this isnt really accurate. In reality, there are over 10,000 species of mold, many of which look quite similar. These species of mold come in a variety of colors and shapes, so you usually cant identify it just by looking at it.
Remember that any color of mold can be dangerous.
Can Mold Affect Your Central Nervous System
Mold Exposure Symptoms There are 2 main effects of mold exposure: the physical airway irritating effects like allergies, cough, and fatigue, and the more concerning effects on the central nervous system and the brain. Mental and cognitive health symptoms can include: Brain fog. Inability to concentrate.
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Dogs And Mold Exposure
Pets who are exposed to mold can experience adverse health effects, including:
- lung and respiratory issues.
- allergic reactions
- neurological issues, including tremors and seizures
While the immediate impact of mold is often treatable in the short term, longer term exposure can be more serious and more difficult to manage. When left untreated, mold exposure can lead to organ damage, creating more severe complications.
The dangers of mold exposure for pets came to light in 2007, when a veterinarian found pulmonary hemorrhages in two cats during pre-op procedures. Both cats died after complications. According to the report, the home was contaminated with mold, due to flood damage.
So what should you be looking out for?
What Is Black Mold
Black mold, a species of toxic mold, is a type of fungus that thrives off of moisture-rich areas. Black mold can appear slimy, and often show up as darkly colored, speckled discolorations. There can be a distinctive smell with a musty odor, which is sometimes the first clue of a black mold contamination. If left neglected, black mold can threaten the health of people and pets alike, as black mold species can produce vast amounts of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungus released into the air, and when these mycotoxins are ingested or inhaled, symptoms will develop.
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Cdc Report Says Mold Can Cause Various Illnesses And Diseases Such As Cancer
This is an interesting report on molds that was posted on the Centers for Disease Control website titled, Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods. The report was originated by the National Center for Environmental Health, Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry, Howard Franklin, MD, Director, and the Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, Michael A. McGeehin, PhD, Director.
The report is interesting because it details the serious health effects that wet buildings and mold can cause to humans. Various diseases, infections, and illnesses such as asthma, an immune-mediated disease known as hypersensitivity pneumoniti, and long-term ingestion of aflatoxins which has been associated with hepatocellular cancer.
Below you will find the main points of the CDC report that detail the MANY health effects.
How Persons Are Exposed to Mold
Mold exposure can produce disease in several ways. Inhalation is usually presumed to be the most important mechanism of exposure to viable or nonviable fungi, fungal fragments or components, and other dampness-related microbial agents in indoor environments. The majority of fungal spores have aerodynamic diameters of 210 µm, which are in the size range that allow particles to be deposited in the upper and lower respiratory tract .
Factors That Cause Disease from Mold
For the Public Unable to Use PPE or at High Health Risk from Exposure to Mold
Inhalation Fevers
Black Mold Exposure Can Damage Your Circulatory System
Black mold spores can be inhaled, consumed, or absorbed through a persons skin or eyes. When mycotoxins find their way into the bloodstream, mycotoxins have the potential to cause serious damage.
Symptoms of circulatory system damage from black mold include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bleeding in the brain
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How Does Mold Affect Pets
Mold spores can enter your pets body through inhalation or ingestion :
- When inhaled, mold causes fever, lethargy, and different respiratory issues. The typical symptoms include difficult or rapid breathing, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, and bleeding from the nose and/or mouth
- When eaten, mold leads to digestive problems and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, and stool changes.
Whats more, close contact with mold for a prolonged period of time may result in various allergic reactions and neurological issues, such as tremors and seizures.
Some animals are more susceptible to mold spores and may experience more adverse health effects than others. Besides, some types of mold are much more dangerous than others and pose greater health risks.
Toxic mold species are the most virulent ones they produce mycotoxins that can cause cell death and damage the liver. Pets exposed to the spores may suffer from pulmonary hemorrhage, a deadly condition characterized by heavy bleeding in the animals lungs.
Unless mold sickness is treated in a timely and effective manner, it may lead to organ damage and seriously affect your pets nervous system. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that you watch out for mold exposure symptoms in your animal friend and get veterinary help as soon as possible if you notice any signs of mold poisoning.
Can Black Mold Cause Respiratory Problems
In a residential setting, people are generally exposed to black mold through breathing in mold spores and mycotoxins. When ingested, mold spores have the potential to cause irritation and a burning sensation in air passages, such as the nasal cavity, mouth, and throat.
Some common symptoms for respiratory issues from black mold exposure include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nose bleeds
- Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose
- Bleeding gums
- Burning sensation of the mouth
- Wheezing
- Bleeding or swelling in the lungs
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Black Mold Health Effects
Apart from the above-described black mold health risks, prolonged exposure to the toxic microorganisms can also cause severe damage to internal organs.
Toxic black mold spores can be easily breathed in, ingested, or absorbed through a persons skin or eyes. Once the mycotoxins find their way into the bloodstream, they can cause a number of circulatory symptoms and vascular problems, such as irregular heartbeat, heart inflammation, heart damage, low blood pressure, problems with blood clotting, internal or external hemorrhaging, etc.
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure
Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home, look for various symptoms of mold exposure.
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Removing Black Mold From Your Home
If the black mold is confined to a small area of your home, you can remove it yourself. A number of cleaners designed to kill mold are on the market. Be sure to read the instructions before you start you should also wear rubber gloves and a protective mask while removing the black mold from your home.
To remove black mold from concrete, a bleach and water solution is an effective cleaner. (Use one part bleach to four parts water, and be sure to keep the area well ventilated by opening a window and/or leaving a door open until the concrete has dried.
Black mold can also penetrate walls after a home or building has sustained water damage. Be on the lookout for these signs that you have a mold problem in your walls:
- Bulging
- Cracked or Peeling Paint
- Discoloration of the Wall
If mold is in the drywall, that section needs to be removed and replaced. Black mold can also grow under carpets and in insulation materials. In this instance, you may want to consult a contractor to inspect your property and deal with the problem.
Immune Pathways Of Mycotoxin Toxicity
Mycotoxins may produce their detrimental effects not only by affecting gene transcription and translation, but also through inflammatory responses such as the development of oxidative stress mediated by cytokines, and the depletion of reduced glutathione. Ochratoxin A exposure reduces mitochondrial function and could lead to apoptosis in nerve cells as well as dysfunctional responses in cultured murine microglia and astrocytes in the brain. In studies in mice, satratoxin G was shown to produce apoptosis in sensory neurons in the olfactory bulb, as well as encephalitis associated with persistently high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the frontal brain region. Mycotoxins can stimulate mast cells and microglia because mast cellmicroglia interactions have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, especiallybrain fog. Such triggers could increase the permeability of the gutblood and bloodbrain barriers through mast cell mediators, especially cytokines, allowing circulating and environmental toxins to pass into the brain, trigger microglia proliferation, and disrupt neuronal connectivity.
A person who develops symptoms related to mold and mycotoxins CANNOT get fully well if they remain in an environment that is moldy. Mycotoxins can remain in the body for years in some people whose detoxification systems are not efficient.
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Do I Need Professional Testing
In short, usually not! Because, remember the saying: no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home. And that is good news because a professional mold inspection with testing can run anywhere from $300-$750. In most cases where mold is clearly visible, knowing exactly what type of mold you have is unnecessary. We advise most of our clients to forgo the inspection process and just apply that money saved to the cost of fixing the problem. The EPA agrees that mold testing isnt necessary in most cases.
There are exceptions, however, such as when a mold inspection with testing is required as part of a real estate sale or if you require proof that a mold problem is present, such as for a legal dispute. If you think you may have a mold problem, but arent sure, then we recommend formal testing from a professional. And if you require clearance testing to verify an all clear after a mold problem is fixed, then professional mold testing is necessary.
