Orlando, FL (JusticeNewsFlash.com) — Exposure to toxic mold and related volatile organic compounds can affect individuals in a variety of ways. The term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) describes the adverse acute health and comfort effects that are caused by an individual spending time in an indoor environment with poor air quality that has been caused by the presence of toxic mold and other contaminants. Homes, apartment complexes, schools and businesses have the capacity to make people sick even though no specific illness or cause may be identified. Sick building syndrome is frequently difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms rarely fit a pattern of any particular illness and are tough to trace to a specific source. Though victims of SBS oftentimes do not have a disease that a medical professional can detect, their suffering is undeniable. Toxic molds produce poisonous gases known as mycotoxins. Once the mold toxins become airborne, they come to rest on almost any surface, including one’s clothing and skin. Perhaps most disturbing, these toxins become trapped in people’s mucus membranes from breathing. Unfortunately, people are often unable to see, feel or smell the hazardous mycotoxins and contaminants.
The mycotoxins produced by toxic molds affect humans in different ways. Some people suffer immediate reactions, while others do not notice manifestations of harm for days, even several weeks. Exposure to toxic mold frequently causes daily headaches, chronic fatigue, persistent cold, flu, and allergy-like symptoms, nose and throat irritation, memory loss, difficulty focusing and concentrating, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Those individuals who suffer from severe asthma, allergies or a poor immune system are much more vulnerable to lung and other upper-respiratory infections due to mold exposure. Infants and young children are at the highest risk of harm when exposed to toxic mold. Babies who breathe toxic air may experience a pulmonary hemorrhage, which is often fatal. Less common than SBS is “building related illness” (BRI), which is a term used to describe the adverse health reactions associated with diagnosable illnesses that are directly attributed to airborne building contaminants. If you or your co-workers, schoolmates or family members exhibit the signs of SBS, contact the personal injury lawyers at Rue & Ziffra. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys and staff will investigate the source of your harm and aggressively pursue the culpable parties.
Toxic mold can grow on nearly any surface and can be found behind wallpaper, in air ventilation systems and dry wall, and underneath flooring. Mold tends to grow in moist, dark, high humidity areas. Generally, molds are extremely similar in shape and color. So, even when mold is visible to the casual observer, it is quite difficult for a layperson to determine whether such mold is toxic or harmless. Since exposure to toxic mold can impair the heart’s ability to function properly, can spur the onset of cancer and can cause pregnant women to miscarriage, it is vital that you spend as little amount of time as possible in suspect buildings.
If you believe that you have fallen victim to SBS or have sustained a BRI, the Central Florida attorneys at Daytona Beach, Orlando Personal Injury Lawyers Rue & Ziffra can help. There are limitations which govern the amount of time you have to file a claim. Call our law offices today to schedule a consultation.
