Massachusetts mold is a common type of fungus that is frequently found on old food and water-damaged buildings in Massachusetts. While some types of Massachusetts molds are not dangerous, some molds are toxic and can be potentially fatal if exposure is excessive.
Massachusetts mold can generally be broken down into four categories based on its adverse health effects, which include allergies, infections, irritations and toxicities. Wide exposure to mycotoxins, namely poisonous substances created by fungus, can cause health problems with the digestive, vascular, respiratory, nervous, urinary, cutaneous and reproductive systems. Research has demonstrated that toxic Massachusetts mold found indoors is often responsible for allergies, infections, mucous membrane irritation and other illnesses.
Any healthy Massachusetts resident whose place of employment or home has mold is vulnerable to a Massachusetts mold-related illness. Massachusetts residents with weak immune systems, asthma and chronic allergies are particularly at risk for suffering from a Massachusetts mold-related ailment. When an individual who has a weak immune system, and is susceptible to infection, breathes in mold, it is possible that mold spores will begin to grow on human tissue in the individual’s respiratory tract. Unfortunately, Massachusetts infants and Massachusetts children are at the highest risk for contracting a Massachusetts mold-related illness.
There are a number of ways that mold can enter a Massachusetts home or Massachusetts workplace. Mold spores are able to travel through open windows, doorways, ventilation systems, air conditioners and heating systems that circulate air from the outside. It is also possible for mold spores to attach to humans and pets. Massachusetts mold needs moisture to grow, and most often becomes an issue when there is water damage, water leaks, excessive humidity, condensation, flooding or other water infiltration. Mold in a damp environment typically grows on furniture, insulation, paint, wood, paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, dust, wallpaper, drywall, carpet and drapes.
Recent research from the federal Institute of Medicine (IOM) has linked Massachusetts mold exposure to coughing, wheezing and respiratory illness in Massachusetts children and Massachusetts adults. Massachusetts residents with asthma are at a greater risk for illness if exposed to mold.
It is important to note that not all Massachusetts mold is toxic. However, it is crucial that any mold, even the slightest amount, be investigated if it is found in your home or place of employment. The presence of mold can often be detected by its smell, and if it is located in an open area, it is usually in the form of black, green, gray or white clumps. Unfortunately, Massachusetts mold can be hidden, and can exist undetected in wall insulation, under carpeting or in basements and attics.
There are many recommended housekeeping practices that can be followed if you are worried about the possibility for mold to grow inside your Massachusetts home. First, it is recommended that any Massachusetts homeowner make a habit of periodically checking his or her property, namely the walls, ceilings, doors and windows, for any cracking or leaking that may serve as a prime location for Massachusetts mold to grow. Exhaust fans and dehumidifiers should be used in all bathrooms, kitchens and enclosed porches, or any room with the potential for high humidity. Rooms that are prone to high humidity or moisture should also be left uncarpeted. Bathrooms and other damp rooms should be cleaned with a solution that specifically kills mold growth. Storm windows should be installed in an effort to minimize window condensation, and every room should be properly ventilated. Before any mold is cleaned, a sample and pictures of the mold should be taken.
You always have the option to hire a Massachusetts professional to come to your home and remove any suspicious Massachusetts mold. If you choose to remove the mold yourself, there are a number of issues to keep in mind to ensure that you do not expose yourself to harm. First, any item that has absorbed the mold, such as towels or carpet, should be discarded, and there should be no attempt to remove mold from any absorbent materials. Protective clothing, such as goggles and gloves, should be worn at all times to avoid direct contact of your skin with the harmful mold. A mask should also be worn so that you can be certain that you are not inhaling any mold particles, and you should work in a ventilated area at all times. If you begin to experience any negative health symptoms while working on removing mold, such as headache or nausea, you should stop immediately and contact a professional to get the job done. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you should also seek medical attention.
Massachusetts landlords are always required to keep their property in a condition that meets applicable safety and health code standards. This means that any cracks or leaks in the walls or roof must be quickly and properly repaired, as these areas can lead to hazardous mold growth. A Massachusetts landlord who is negligent by failing to use adequate care in repairing the property, and thereby exposing a Massachusetts renter to toxic mold which leads to the individual’s illness, may be liable for damages. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you should immediately contact one of our Massachusetts landlord/tenant mold injury attorneys at 617-787-3700 or email our Massachusetts tenants' rights mold lawyers at info@gilhoylaw.com.
A Massachusetts employer or Massachusetts school can also be liable in the event that you or a loved one sustains a Massachusetts mold related illness. If that has happened, you should promptly call one of our Boston mold injury attorneys.
Massachusetts architects and Massachusetts construction workers can be liable for Massachusetts toxic mold injuries if they are deemed responsible for negligently designing or building a Massachusetts property in such a way that mold grows as a result. Massachusetts maintenance companies can be liable in the event of mold growth as the result of inadequately repaired leaks or cracks. Massachusetts real estate agents can be liable if they are aware of toxic mold growth on a Massachusetts property but fail to disclose the information to a Massachusetts buyer. In each of these cases, the injured Massachusetts resident may be entitled to property damages, medical expenses, lost wages and even punitive damages. If you are the victim of unlawful mold exposure, you should protect your rights by calling our Boston, MA mold injury law office now at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com.
Who has the highest health risks for Massachusetts mold related injuries?
Children in Massachusetts are particularly sensitive to toxic Massachusetts black mold due to their weaker immune systems. Massachusetts residents that suffer from lung disease or immune suppression are also more susceptible to the adverse health effects caused by Massachusetts mold. Additionally, Massachusetts residents with allergies may show a higher sensitivity to Massachusetts mold illnesses.
Where is toxic mold found most often in Massachusetts?
Toxic Massachusetts mold typically grows in damp, moist or wet environments, which are common in all areas of Massachusetts. Leaky, cracked or broken pipes, in addition to windows, doors, roofs and walls, can let in rainfall and create a dangerous environment in which toxic black mold can thrive. Massachusetts homes and Massachusetts offices that are poorly maintained or have a high level of moisture or water damage are especially prone to Massachusetts toxic mold growth. Once mold spores enter a Massachusetts home via pets or on the clothing of Massachusetts residents, and are supplied with a source of moisture, the mold is highly likely to grow on a number of surfaces, including insulation, carpet, cloth, food and wood.
Are some strains of Massachusetts mold more hazardous than others?
Yes. Some species of mold found in Massachusetts that have been found to cause adverse health effects for Massachusetts residents include:
Aspergillus
Stachybotrys
Fusarium
Penicillium
Paecilomyces
However, it is important to consider that even mold that is not toxic can cause allergic reactions and irritation to Massachusetts residents with a heightened sensitivity to mold. For example, numerous types of molds that are not necessarily toxic can cause increased asthmatic symptoms in Massachusetts citizens with asthma. It is, therefore, important that all types of mold be removed, regardless of the species of mold that is present.
I'm concerned. How can I prevent exposure to Massachusetts toxic mold?
It is important to ensure that Massachusetts buildings are maintained in dry and otherwise good repair. It is the responsibility of landlords in Massachusetts, Massachusetts employers and Massachusetts property maintenance companies to regularly conduct inspections that check for water leaks, plumbing problems, ineffective seals around doors and windows, and other areas of a building that are damp and could lead to Massachusetts mold problems. Dehumidifiers are a good way to help prevent hazardous toxic Massachusetts molds from growing. When floods occur, damp areas should be cleaned and dried immediately. Any absorbent materials, such as carpet, ceiling tiles and insulation, should be thrown away after inspection.
Are there ways that I can remove toxic mold on my Massachusetts property?
If you see or smell suspicious mold growing in your Massachusetts home, you should take action as soon as possible to remove it. Most molds can be cleaned off of hard surfaces using soapy water or a bleach solution made of one cup of bleach and a gallon of water. Protective eyewear, nonporous gloves and a face cover should always be worn while cleaning what may potentially be toxic Massachusetts mold. It's important that the area be ventilated. Additionally, bleach solutions should never be mixed with other household cleaning solutions. It is also important to properly dry the area after cleaning; you can continue to experience irritation from dead mold, and Massachusetts mold can recur if an area is left damp. Because absorbent materials are especially difficult to clean and completely rid of mold, they should be thrown away if they have evidence of mold on them. If your Massachusetts home has a significant amount of mold, you should consider hiring a professional company based in Massachusetts that has experience eliminating mold from Massachusetts property and Massachusetts buildings.
What are some symptoms of Massachusetts toxic mold exposure?
The symptoms of Massachusetts toxic mold exposure can range from mild and temporary allergic reactions to acute and chronic sickness. Some signs of Massachusetts toxic mold exposure include:
Headaches
Dry, hacking cough
Sore throat
Aches and pains
Burning, watering or redness in the eyes
Rashes or other skin irritation
Nasal and sinus congestion or infection
Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
Fatigue
Lung disease
Wheezing and difficulty breathing
Memory loss
Fever
Diarrhea
Changes in mood
If left untreated, or if the exposure to toxic Massachusetts mold continues, Massachusetts mold injury victims may suffer a compromised immune system, along with other respiratory, reproductive, neurological, vascular, digestive and urinary problems. Any Massachusetts resident experiencing hemorrhaging, which is another potential consequence of mold exposure, should seek immediate medical attention.
What should I do if I suspect that I have been exposed to toxic Massachusetts mold?
If you suspect mold growth in your Massachusetts home or Massachusetts office, you should hire a certified Massachusetts mold specialist to inspect your Massachusetts property. This professional will test either an air sample or swab of the actual Massachusetts mold to determine the mold’s toxicity.
Most importantly, if you or someone that you know is experiencing any symptoms associated with Massachusetts toxic mold exposure, you should seek immediate professional medical treatment. Illnesses from exposure to toxic Massachusetts mold are treatable, but long-term health problems can develop if these symptoms are left untreated.
It's important that you save all documents related to your medical expenses, and take pictures of the mold if it hasn't been removed already. These will serve as evidence in proving exposure in the later stages of your Massachusetts toxic mold claim.
There are many potential liable parties, such as Massachusetts employers, Massachusetts maintenance companies, Massachusetts management companies and Massachusetts landlords. In addition to health risks, Massachusetts toxic mold can also cause a myriad of other Massachusetts property problems. Our expert Massachusetts toxic mold attorneys have handled Massachusetts toxic mold claims involving:
The Boston, MA toxic mold lawyers and Boston, MA wrongful death lawyers at the Boston, Massachusetts Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates are here to assist you in seeking redress for your injuries resulting from exposure to Massachusetts dangerous mold. Our Boston poisonous mold attorneys can help you recover compensation for your mold removal expenses, medical bills, lost work from sickness and your pain and suffering. Call our Massachusetts toxic mold lawyers today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com. When you choose us to represent you in your Massachusetts toxic mold case, your needs will be our top priority.
Second, our Boston toxic mold injury legal advocates always provide our clients with exceptional client service. This is as important to us as the outcome of your Massachusetts toxic mold case. Our Boston black mold injury law office keeps every client fully informed of the progress of his or her toxic mold case. As part of this commitment, all of our toxic mold injury clients are copied on all correspondence from us, and we make it a priority to promptly respond to all phone calls and other inquiries from our clients. Our level of client service truly distinguishes us from other Massachusetts toxic mold law firms. The toxic mold injury attorneys at our toxic mold injury law office never act on behalf of a client without first thoroughly discussing the matter at hand with our client and jointly coming to a decision beforehand. Our mold injury law office endeavors to represent each of our clients in such a manner that ensures that our clients receive the individualized, detailed attention that their unique mold injury case deserves.
Our driving motivations of superior client relations and exceptional legal counsel make us a law firm you can trust.
The Boston, Massachusetts Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates is a group of Boston, Massachusetts lawyers from some of the best law practices in Massachusetts, including expert Massachusetts toxic mold personal injury attorneys, who have been personally selected by Attorney Hoy because of their skill, experience and expertise.Many of the Boston, Massachusetts toxic mold lawyers who are available to our Massachusetts clients through referral agreements have been repeatedly selected and recognized as among the very best lawyers in Massachusetts and, indeed, the country.
