While mold is found everywhere, having any type of mold in your home can be very upsetting. However, not all molds are created equal. Black mold can be much more dangerous, and it can cause serious long-term health complications.
It is important to understand how black mold differs from regular mold so you can make sure you understand if you’ve been exposed to a dangerous substance. If your mold exposure was caused by the negligence of others, it’s also critical that you get the right legal help to recover the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Matthew De Lira is here and ready to help after you are made sick because of mold in your rental property or home. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a mold exposure lawyer to learn more about how our firm can help you get justice.
What is the difference between black mold and mold?
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is different from regular mold in important ways. Specifically, black mold releases mycotoxins, which can cause respiratory issues, neurological issues, and severe fungal infections.
Let’s take a look at some specific differences between black versus regular mold so you can determine what type of mold is affecting you and how your health may be impacted.
- Appearance: Black mold has a slimy or wet texture and is normally greenish-brown in color. Regular mold tends to have a dry, powdery appearance and is usually gray or brown, although it can also be greenish-black.
- Smell: Black mold has a very intense odor. It smells like damp earth or rotten wood, and the strong smell may be the first thing you notice that tips you off that you have a black mold problem.
- Environment: Both black mold and regular mold grow in damp environments. However, black mold is more likely to be present if there is constant or substantial moisture, such as when you experience flooding or persistent leaks in an area where there are plumbing issues. Regular mold can grow in more environments, such as on wet bathroom tile
These differences can help you to determine what kind of mold you are likely to have in your home if mold is present. However, ultimately, if you suspect you may have black mold, you may want to call in a professional who can determine if this dangerous substance is present in your home or building.
Health risks of black mold vs. regular mold?
Regular mold can cause some damage to your health, including respiratory irritation, headaches, rashes, fatigue, and skin irritation.
However, black mold is much more likely to cause these complications, as well as to cause more severe damage, such as neurological symptoms like memory loss, inflammation, and damage to the immune system and nervous system. Chronic fatigue and lung disease are also possible.
Getting help if you were exposed to black mold
If you identify black mold in your home, rental, or other buildings where you spend substantial time, you should be aware of the health risks. You should get medical help to understand the extent of your damages, and you should make sure to carefully document the presence of mold.
If someone else was responsible for your exposure, such as a landlord who didn’t fix water issues or remediate mold, you may be able to take legal action and recover compensation for losses. A black mold exposure lawyer can help, so contact Matthew De Lira today to learn about the assistance we can offer in fighting for justice.