More commonly known as black mold,
Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxigenic indoor mold linked to serious health problems. Like other
indoor molds, black mold can grow in areas of the home that are warm,
humid, and damp. When the mold reproduces via airborne spores, people
living in surrounding areas may experience allergic reactions and other
unpleasant symptoms.
How Does Black Mold Affect Human Health?
The most serious
health concerns associated with black mold are pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs), difficulty breathing,
and memory loss.
Less serious symptoms and health effects
include:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Headaches
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Rashes
- Fatigue
Black mold has also been linked to respiratory illnesses and infections,
such as asthma and bronchitis. Exposure may be especially hard on young
children and people with pre-existing immune suppression, underlying lung
disease, or chronic respiratory diseases (asthma).
If you or a loved one experiences bleeding in the lungs or any of the symptoms
of “black mold poisoning,” see a healthcare provider right away.
Where Does Black Mold Come From?
Mold reproduces by sending spores into the air. These spores land on surfaces
and thrive under certain conditions. As such, there is always a little
mold everywhere. Many molds are harmless, and because mold is a non-scientific
term for fungi, we sometimes eat mold or use it for medicine (like in
blue cheese, edible mushrooms, or penicillin).
Nevertheless, black mold is toxigenic, which means it produces mycotoxins
that may lead to health concerns. Many molds, including black mold, tend
to grow in the midst of leaks or water damage – or in damp rooms
with poor ventilation, such as kitchens, basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces,
and laundry rooms.
You can
identify black mold by its dark, greenish-black color. The best way to prevent black mold
(and other molds) is to control humidity levels in your home, fix leaks
promptly, and ventilate the rooms where you shower, cook, and do laundry.
What If I Find Black Mold in My Home?
Don’t panic. The good news is that small amounts of black mold are
relatively easy to clean. As long as you use the proper supplies and wear
gloves and a mask, you can get rid of this mold on your own without suffering
the associated health effects.
Still, large areas of mold require experts with safety equipment. If you
own your house, your homeowner’s insurance may cover mold removal.
If you recently bought your house, speak to your seller, as they may be
responsible for removing the mold (especially if they failed to disclose
a mold problem).
If you rent your home or live in a
mobile home park, mold removal may be your landlord’s responsibility. Report the
mold right away and ask them to remove it as soon as possible.
Any delay on your landlord’s part could create legal liability if
your health suffers due to the mold infestation. Landlords may also be
responsible for injury and illness if black mold grows because they failed
to make a repair.
If your health suffers because of black mold, pursue the treatment you
need, then contact an attorney.
As lawyers who handle both
real estate law and
personal injury claims, our team at
Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin LLP is uniquely qualified to handle your claim.
Call us at (888) 998-2031 or contact us online
to learn more about your rights and schedule a consultation with our firm.