Toxic mold, or black mold, is a term used to describe a variety of fungi that can grow in your home. Despite the names, the mold is not itself toxic; rather, it releases substances called mycotoxins that can cause toxic reactions, including flu symptoms, respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation and cognitive problems. Toxic mold can live on drywall, wood and carpets and is intensified by darkness and poor ventilation. Toxic mold is most common in buildings constructed after the 1970s, which are more airtight, and is more likely to occur in buildings with persistent water leaks or flooding. With the sudden insurgence of health warnings about the dangers of toxic mold, mold law suits have been rampant. Millions of dollars in mold law litigation monies have been dispersed to victims of toxic mold contamination in schools, offices, and homes.
The recent upheavals in the United Stats courtrooms surrounding mold law litigations are reminiscent of the asbestos scares over 30 years ago in which legal actions were taken against anyone who had owned a building containing asbestos and countless schools, office buildings and residences were rebuilt or completely torn down for asbestos removal. Meanwhile, builders, insurance industry groups and other businesses blame overzealous lawyers and increased media attention for an exponential increase in mold law litigations the past three years with over ten thousand cases pending at this time. Due to the damages being awarded in mold law litigation cases insurance premiums have increased as well as the cost of contractor materials and construction costs.
On the other hand, mold law litigations have helped consulting firms and home inspector businesses grow exponentially as well as consumers are now much more cautious of their purchases and now will routinely have their current homes and potential future homes tested for mold and mycotoxins.
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