Introduction to Mold Personal Injury/Property Damage Claims

There has been increasing litigation surrounding personal injuries and property damage caused by mold exposure.  The reason may be that although mold is everywhere – inside your home and outside your home – there are types of mold that can cause you serious personal injuries including respiratory and asthamtic ailments.  It is important to for you to know if your homeowners insurance policy covers you in the event your home sustains damage from mold. 

Although this niche of personal injury law is still new and developing each year, it is important for you to know the signs of exposure to harmful levels of mold, and what you should do if you have been exposed to toxic mold.

The following was taken from the EPA website and provides ten useful points about mold:

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

I invite you to visit the EPA website in order to learn more about toxic mold, and the serious and permanent personal injuries it can cause.  Click here for the link.