Tag: mold

Got black mold? Well, if you’re coughing and wheezing and you have a severe skin rash, you may have a good case for considering options for mold lawsuits.  However, if your problems are not mold-related, you’re wasting time and money.

The first step, if you’re thinking about mold lawsuits, is to determine that your health and house problems are definitely mold related. You’ll want to make a doctor visit and have the doctor rule out non-mold related illnesses. Next, get a mold inspection professional’s opinion on the severity and type of mold present.  A mold test should be performed to determine the severity and type of mold that exists. There are different types of mold tests; it’s best to measure both surface and air mold.  Mold collection varies, but a good mold inspection professional should be able to take both surface and air samples, as well as know how different mold types appear under a microscope.  (There are wide disparities in experience among mold inspectors, since mold inspection certification programs vary.)  Be sure that your mold inspector is experienced as well as certified; check with others to see if they’ve had any good experience with mold inspectors.  This may also give you a chance to see if other people in your development have had mold issues. If mold problems are widespread in your neighborhood, this may also indicate that  mold lawsuits have great potential to get the builder or developer to pay for damages.

If the evidence points to serious mold problems (definite presence of mold, health problems, problems in similar houses built by the same builder) then it may be worthwhile to consider mold lawsuits.  In order to avoid risking money unnecessarily, it may be a good idea to hire a lawyer who only gets paid if she wins (assuming your settlement would be big enough to cover your legal costs and your repairs).  You avoid upfront legal costs, but will lose a large chunk of the settlement money to your lawyer.  But if mold has caused you and your family serious problems, a good case for mold lawsuits can be made. Talk to a good lawyer (or more than one) to really get a good idea of the likelihood of winning mold lawsuits.

The prevalence of mold Atlanta, Georgia has been proliferated with has been astounding as in many southern and southwestern states in the United States.  Experts studying the mold Atlanta has been dealing with for more than a few years now are saying that moisture management should take precedence over energy cost savings.  The reason is because the mold Atlanta is dealing with is thriving because of the high relative humidity levels.  Mold, especially toxic or black mold is a fungal organism that can spread and grow very quickly when given favorable conditions needed t thrive such as poorly lit, damp surfaces with high humidity.  When conditions for growth are not favorable however, the mold becomes a fine powder and is usually airborne until it can stick to a surface where conditions can be met for growth. 

Airborne molds can cause many health risks both minor and severe.  This is the number one cause for alarm in Atlanta.  Because of the elevated publicity about the dangers of toxic mold Atlanta has joined many other states in increased mold lawsuits and vast cleanup efforts with energy conservation taking the backseat for the moment. 

In order to reduce moisture residents should seek out any leaky windows, doors, cracks in the basement, holes in attic spaces and seal them as soon as possible so that the warm air rising from the draft areas does not cool and condense on walls and surfaces.  When mold is found, it should be cleaned immediately with a chlorine bleach solution and scraped off of wooden surfaces if necessary.  Residents may also want to have their plumbing checked for leaks, rust, and loose fitting pipes to prevent mold buildup.  If residents suspect that the have black mold, they may wish to call a certified mold inspector to sample and clean the mold professionally.

Mold growth in the home, school, or office should not be tolerated because it is unsightly in nature; it physically destroys the building structure and materials as it grows producing pungent odors and as it sensitizes causes allergic reactions and health ailments in allergic or immune weakened individuals.  Sometimes it is necessary for a person to seek compensation for damages to personal or physical property due to mold and therefore mold litigation is essential.

In a mold litigation case, the plaintiff is often a tenant in a mold infested apartment complex or possibly the parent of a child who has fallen ill due to mold found within her school.  The plaintiff will seek compensatory damages for lost time from work, medical expenses, damage to personal property, etc due to the lack of attention to the mold problem despite attempts by the plaintiff prior to the initializing of the mold litigation.  Though pictures speak a thousand words, the success of any mold litigation case will weigh heavily upon the accessibility and credibility of expert witnesses to testify in defense of the wither the plaintiff or the defendant.  Some experts to consider using in a mold litigation case may be industrial hygienists, mycologists, toxicologists, construction experts, neuropsychologists, and immunologists.

One of the most famous examples of mold litigation was the attention brought to mold litigation by the now famed Erin Brockovich.  The newly publicized health risks associated with mold have also spurred a skyrocketing response in the amount of mold litigation cases brought before the courts every year.  Some opponents believe that not only are these lawsuits frivolous but costing taxpayers millions in revamped building code legislation and court fees.  Proponents champion the once powerless tenants paying slumlords for substandard living conditions and reciprocity for time lost due to illness from mold.

Although Connecticut is a beautiful state, its temperate weather can lead to so rather serious mold problems. Summer heat and humidity causes some mold Connecticut is particularly susceptible too. This is why you should always take steps to ensure that your home isn’t vulnerable to a mold problem. Some kinds of molds cause serious health issues, ranging from asthma to bleeding lungs, and oftentimes home owners are not aware of the potential threat that mold brings. Luckily there are plenty of simple options for removing a mold threat. If you take these simple precautions you can make sure that the worst mold Connecticut is known for doesn’t affect your home.

First, be sure to check areas around the house that are prone to mold growth. The mold Connecticut is known for often grows in the basements and attics of the Colonial homes in the state. Sometimes detecting mold is as simple as looking for it around the house using the naked eye. Many types of mold are dark in color and can be detected easily. It is best to use a flashlight for the type of observation to make sure you don’t miss any mold due to poor lighting in the room your are investigating.

Second, once you have found evidence of mold it is important to remove it from the house entirely. There are ways to kill off the mold and prevent it from growing further, but to fully remove the health risks involved with mold growth you must remove all mold from the house. This can be done several ways, although the simplest way is to use a damp cloth. The dampness of the cloth makes sure that it gathers mold from the affected area without kicking up particles of mold into the air. Causing the mold spores to become airborne is the last thing you want, so be sure that the mold and the cloth are wet before removing the specimen of mold. Mold Connecticut is known for is easy to clean up if you follow these steps.

Because of toxic black mold Maryland is cautioning residents to be on the lookout and to clean house immediately.  Mold is a microscopic fungus that typically grows in large colonies that appear like fluffy or fuzzy masses, ranging in color from white to blue-green or black. Molds can be useful in many ways to both humans and the natural environment, although we usually think of it as a negative occurrence. For example, molds play a role in the growth of certain kinds of cheese as well as in penicillin, one of mankind’s most useful medicines. Most molds are filamentous, made up of living thread-like structures that grow by the division of cells. These structures also produce spores that enter the environment through surrounding air and water and are often inhaled by humans and animals. 

The mold Maryland officials are warning residents about however is not of the beneficial breed.  Toxic black mold is responsible for numerous complications including: destruction of brain tissue, abdominal pain, altered immunity, cancer, central nervous system dysfunction, hemorrhage, frequent migraines, depression, seizures, and dementia among many other lessor and more serious conditions have been linked to toxic black mold poisoning and eventually death for many victims.

When finding mold Maryland officials from the Office of Environmental Health say not to panic  if you suspect that you have toxic black mold but to cover up you skin and wear a mask before attempting to clean and remove it from the affected area.  If you are not comfortable cleaning it yourself, you could always hire a certified mold specialist to remove and test the mold at your expense.  Because of the publicity lent unto the public about he dangers of mold Maryland residents have also jumped on the mold lawsuit bandwagon in the last few years.  Maryland officials say that the best way to combat mold is to prevent it by sealing any air leaks and having regular maintenance performed on plumbing that may leak or rust and by keeping a fresh and clean living environment.

Water damage is already enough of a problem itself without worrying about mold too.  But water damage mold occurs regularly along with the irritation of the water damage itself.

The first thing to do is inspect and treat your home for even subtle signs of water damage. Whereas dramatic water damage (such as you might get from a tub, toilet, or other plumbing problem) is quite noticeable, other water damage is subtle. Look for peeling wallpaper or faint brown spots (especially on your ceiling or the highest part of a wall).  A slight bubbling in latex paint, or a shiny appearance may also be a clue.  If the problem appears to be spreading, you may want to hire a contractor to examine it further (or do it yourself if you know your way around home repairs.) You’ll need to fix the troubled patch of drywall, and removing a small section may also give you insight into the root cause behind the damage. Also, check your house’s siding where the damage appears (and above, since water can flow down before it appears as visible damage).

Once you’ve identified the root cause of the water damage mold can be prevented.  Wherever the water damage occurred, use a mold-killing primer on the surface before you paint.  Wear a mask and latex gloves when you apply primer, as the fumes can be quite strong and the primer difficult to remove from skin.

If water damage mold has already appeared, it’s not too late. You can swab the moldy area with a diluted bleach solution (again, use gloves and a mask).  You can also remove the drywall (which you may need to do anyway, depending on the degree of water damage.

Be sure to dehumidify your house to prevent future mold growth.  Mold adores humidity, so don’t let conditions in your house be a mold haven.

If the mold reappears or seems particularly aggressive, get a mold testing kit to determine the type and potential toxicity of the mold. Be sure to keep an eye out for less evident types of mold (pale or pinkish molds).

Several varieties of mold can be quite aggravating those with allergies or labored breathing, but any issues can be avoided by following a few mold prevention techniques. The key ingredient in the growth life of mold is moisture, and there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of moisture in a home.

During months in which the indoor air becomes humid, removing moisture from the air is a very helpful step in mold prevention. Both dehumidifiers and air conditioners are cable of extracting water vapor from the air, which will prevent mold from growing on interior walls. In the bathroom, a circulation fan with a system of ducts, venting to the outside of the living area, will remove the very humid air that is produced when the shower is used. In addition, a properly ventilated stove hood in the kitchen will take care of the vapors created while preparing meals.

Proper maintenance of the home itself is also a necessary step in mold prevention. Any time a large amount of water penetrates the structure of the house, a serious mold problem can occur. Water intrusion can happen when the roof leaks, when water supply and drain lines start to age, or when windows or siding are improperly installed or need replacement. Even if a minor problem is detected, it should be fixed as soon as possible.

When water does enter the home, more immediate mold prevention techniques will be needed. The source of the leak must be immediately fixed, and then any wet areas must be dried as quickly as possible. Wood, drywall, insulation, and other porous materials that have become soaked with water should be replaced. Any other materials should be dried with fans or other equipment. If the area is extremely large, it may be best to call in a professional service help with mold prevention, especially if one suspects there may be hidden damage.

In the year 2001, insurance companies spent over 1.2 billion dollars in black mold cases. The cost included the inspection and testing, remediation, attorney fees and punitive damages. Since this time the number of cases against black mold has continued to rise. Billions of dollars is paid out every year in lawsuits. Therefore, as a landlord, builder or property owner it is best to looking into the mold insurance option and know specifically what you are covered against.

As a result of the increase in cases many insurance policies now have a mold exclusion clause. If you find that your insurance does not have this policy then it would be a good idea to hold onto it. Because of these newer clauses it is becoming increasingly difficult to get mold coverage. Often mold insurance is a stand-alone policy or one that has higher premiums. You can even choose to have mold insurance added on to your existing policy, but the cost is often high.

It is a good idea to invest in mold insurance if you live in a humid area such as the Pacific Northwest. If is even more important to get mold insurance if you have an old property since older buildings have a strict guideline to follow when it comes to toxic black mold removal. Often you can reduce the cost of mold coverage by developing your own Operation and Maintenance plan. These plans often include a schedule for inspection and training for employees to deal with mold remediation.

The best then that any building owner can do is to take care of all mold problems when they occur either inside or outside your building. You need to keep an eye on any properties that have a history of mold. Communicate with any tenants and employees. Make sure everyone in the building knows how to check for mold and that they will notify you when they do find mold.

Mold preventing strategies should be on the top of the list for home owners, but often times mold isn’t recognized as a major health threat. Fortunately there are several ways to prevent mold so that you don’t have to worry about it becoming a problem. If you use a couple simple mold preventing ideas you can minimize the threat. Some of these strategies include things like monitoring your home humidity and heat levels, or using an air filtration system or dehumidifier. It’s best to get on top of a possible mold problem before it happens to avoid the hassle later.

The simplest way to work on preventing mold is to keep an eye on your living space. If you monitor certain aspects of your home’s climate control you can eradicate a mold problem before it ever becomes an issue. For example, take a tour of your home and try to note the difference in humidity levels between rooms. Sometimes a certain bedroom or family room is more humid than the other areas of the house. Be sure to note the difference in heat between the rooms, especially during the summer months. If you use these two pieces of information you can pick out the most humid and hot rooms as those to target with mold preventing devices.

What devices work best to prevent mold? Using a dehumidifier is always a safe bet. Although dehumidifiers can be loud they remove water from the air to dramatically reduce humidity in a room. There are various kinds of dehumidifiers and each kind is made for a different sized room. Some humidifiers are great for small rooms while others are especially powerful and can handle a whole entire basement. Make sure you use a humidifier that is powerful enough for the room you are targeting. Another strategy for mold preventing is the use of an air purifier. Air purifiers reduce pollutants and dust in the air so that you can be sure your home’s breathing space is safe. All of these techniques can beat mold before it starts.

You or a professional inspector have gone though your entire home and have found that your home may have a significant mold problem.  What could this possibly mean for you as a homeowner and your home’s profitability if you decided to sell?  How will this affect the health and wellness of your family?  Before you start to panic, you should first consider your options and your need for a professional mold assessment. 

A mold assessment is a service in which certified mold inspectors are specially trained in identification and removal of mold and mold friendly conditions.  These inspectors will investigate the whereabouts and causes of the mold in your home for a fee.  When considering a mold assessment for your home, it is always a good idea to check the credentials of the individual and company the inspector works for as fraud has been a problem in recent years and thousands of dollars were lost with no resolution to any mold issues in the homes.  A mold assessment should only be performed by a specially trained and certified inspector whose main focus is molds and not as a side project or odd job.  Remember, this is your family’s health and your home’s structural well being, don’t just trust it to anyone.

During a mold assessment, the inspector will first make a visual inspection to identify a possible contamination problem.  When a potential problem has been found, the inspector will perform bulk or surface sampling of the contaminated area.  The inspector will then monitor the air through a complex collection process in order to determine the types of fungi in the air.  Air monitoring is also useful in determining the concentration of the fungal spores in the air relative to health problems the occupants may be experiencing at the time of the inspection.