Why Moldy Homes Can Make Children Sick

Mold is a lot more common than many people think. It can live in almost all indoor environments, especially warm and damp ones. It can cause severe air quality issues and make children sick. The health problems associated with mold can range from mild to very severe.

In some cases, mold can appear seemingly out of nowhere, while in others it can be someone else’s fault, such as your landlord’s. In such cases, you can sue for compensation and damages, ranging from associated medical costs to ensuring the home is free of mold.

Let us explore what mold is and why it can make children sick.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that reproduces and travels from one place to another through microscopic spores. These spores can attach to anything, from pets to clothing, which means they can spread quickly in your home. Normally, mold does not survive on dry surfaces, but it does on ones that have remained excessively wet for a significant period.

It is essential to understand that mold by itself is not toxic. However, some types of mold produce toxic spores responsible for numerous air quality and health issues. The spores are dangerous if inhaled, eaten, or touched, which is why it is crucial to get rid of mold as soon as you see it.

How to Know If My Home Has Mold

Because mold often grows in hidden parts of the home, most people do not realize it is there until they start experiencing symptoms. However, there are a few ways of knowing where your home has mold.

The first sign is stale, musty odors. Mold releases various chemicals as it grows. These include terpenes, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and benzenes that produce a strange smell when they mix in your home’s environment. The smell can start faint and intensify as the mold and infestation grows.

The second is allergic symptoms that intensify over time. Mold can cause asthma, as we will see later, but mold spores in the home can exacerbate its symptoms in people with existing asthma.

Another is moisture or water issues. While a leak or moisture does not necessarily mean you have toxic mold in your home, it is a significant risk factor. You should check your home if you have any leaks or places where water stands for too long.

The fourth is a black or green growth on different surfaces. Sometimes these growths can appear as dark stains on surfaces, including ceilings, walls, and wood if they have remained damp for a long time.

These dark spots appear alongside peeling wallpaper or paint. Such peeling indicates there is a moisture or damp issue in the home.

Why Moldy Homes Can Make Children Sick

The primary reason why mold can cause children to fall sick is due to the spores it produces as indicated above. There are also additional health issues associated with the humid and warm environments that mold thrives in.

A moldy home can lead to the development of allergies. The body perceives different substances as threats when exposed to them a few times. Once it does, it starts an allergy sensitization where the person has mild to severe allergic reactions whenever they encounter what they are allergic to.

Some of the most common signs of an allergic reaction are:

• Running nose
• Itchy skin and eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing and sneezing

Toxic mold can also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition’s symptoms are similar to pneumonia, but it is not treatable with the same antibiotics. Do note that while hypersensitivity pneumonitis affects adults more than it affects children, children can get it, and it can be even more dangerous to them. It is therefore important to talk to a doctor as soon as your child starts showing symptoms like a high body temperature, coughing and sneezing.

Asthma Development

Mold spores can worsen asthma symptoms, but studies have shown they can lead to its development. The studies that showed this were conducted in homes that were not repaired and thus more likely to have mold. In such homes, children developed asthmatic symptoms, and their symptoms were more severe than those of other children who developed asthma outside this controlled environment.

In addition, the symptoms of the asthmatic children went away as soon as they were moved to new homes or their homes repaired.

Neurological Symptoms

Many studies have shown the effects of different types of mold on cognitive development. The fungus Stachybotrys chartarum has been studied a lot, so we understand its effects the best. This fungus releases mycotoxins that damage or kill neurons in the brain, causing cognitive and neurological issues.

Some effects of such impairment include lower IQ, irritability, mood swings, and other nervous disorders.

Can You Sue for Toxic Mold?

Yes, you can sue for toxic mold. Before doing so, though, you need to know who to sue. The obvious party is the landlord responsible for ensuring all their properties are habitable. You can sue them for health issues and property damage, although most people seek compensation for property damage through their insurance provider.

You can also sue the previous homeowner for toxic mold. Homeowners can do this if the previous homeowner knew of the presence of mold in the home or of conditions that could lead to it and failed to disclose it to you as you bought it.

You can also sue contractors, architects, engineers, and other parties who did not follow code and proper procedures when building the home. For example, they may have installed walls or plumbing incorrectly and caused a slow leak that led to mold over time.

Lastly, you can also sue a company hired to remove mold. If they told you they did but did not and your child falls sick, you are within your right to seek compensation.

Mold might seem like a minor issue or annoyance at first, but it can be a serious issue that causes long-term damage. It can cause severe health issues in children and also property damage. You have the right to sue to hold the party responsible for taking care of mold.

You can talk to our attorney at the Law Office of William J. Luse, Inc to discuss your toxic mold exposure and injuries.

Visit our offices at 917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 to talk directly to our attorneys and discuss your case.

Or call us now for a free consultation at (843) 839-4795.