Facts about Mold

Mold (fungi) can be found indoors and outdoors and is present everywhere. Of the more than 100,000 species of mold, at least 1,000 species are common in the U.S. Some of the most commonly found species are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.

Molds reproduce by producing tiny spores. The spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continuously. When spores land on a damp area indoors, they may begin growing and digesting the material they have landed on in order to survive. Molds can grow on a variety of materials, but the most common are wood, paper, carpet and food. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth often occurs.

There is no practical way to eliminate mold spores from the environment. In fact, mold plays a vital role in breaking down moist decaying materials in nature. Health problems with mold can occur when it is present indoors and spores are inhaled by those with immune related sensitivity.

How Mold Affects Your Health

Most types of mold that are routinely encountered are not hazardous to healthy individuals. However, studies have shown that too much exposure to mold may cause or worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. Common symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestions, runny nose, eye irritation and aggravation of asthma. In those who are more vulnerable, more serious health effects such as fevers and breathing problems can also occur. Some molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause illness in people who have sensitivity to them.

According to the EPA, "A major concern associated with exposure to biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal congestion, conjunctival inflammation, and urticaria to asthma". The most effective way to control mold is to control moisture. It is recommended that humidity levels be reduced to 30-60% to reduce the possibility of mold growth.

Stachybotrys - Black Mold

Stachybotry chartarum is a type of mold that has been associated with health effects in individuals. It is greenish-black and typically grows on materials with high cellulose contents such as drywall, plasterboard, dropped ceiling tiles and wood when these materials are chronically exposed to moisture.

Many molds are black in appearance, but are not Stachybotrys. The black mold commonly found in bathrooms, for example is not Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys can positively be identified, but only through a microscopic exam. Because minimum tolerance to Stachybotry has not been established, zero tolerance is currently the norm for indoor air levels.

Mold Litigation

Munley, Munley & Cartwright is presently involved in litigating and investigating several mold cases. Typical issues that arise are:

• establishing legal responsibility for allowing the conditions to exist in which mold spores grow, such as:
  • improper installation of roof flashing
  • inadequate ventilation design/installation
  • improper drainage design/construction
• insurance coverage issues, including:
  • applicability of exclusions
  • coverage amount disputes
  • bad faith insurance practices
• damages issues, like:
  • building remediation/reconstruction expenses
  • medical testing and monitoring costs
  • personal injury damages
  • incidental and consequential losses, such as moving expenses and business interruption losses

If you have a serious mold issue involving your home or business, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800-346-7401.