Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DMHS) is a serious medical condition that can result when you suffer prolonged exposure to damp indoor air and the microbial toxins often found in water-damaged buildings, including mold and bacteria.
If you developed DMHS because you were exposed to mold in a rental property and your landlord refuses to fix water issues and remediate mold, you may be able to hold the landlord accountable for your losses.
Matthew de Lira can help you understand your rights and prove your claim. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego mold lawyer or read on to learn more about dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome and how it can affect you.
How does Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome affect the body
When you are exposed to mold or indoor dampness for a long period of time, this condition could affect multiple organs and can cause serious systemic health issues. Depending on the type of exposure, the length of time you’re exposed to the toxins, and your body’s reaction, consequences could include:
- Dysregulation of the immune system: Your immune system could begin to respond beyond the classic allergic response, triggering hypersensitivity reactions.
- Inflammation: Your body could sustain a low-grade inflammatory response to prolonged mold exposure, especially in the respiratory system.
- Irritation of the mucous membranes: The eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract could become irritated by the mold and microbial substances you’re exposed to.
- Respiratory issues: Coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, nasal congestion, and asthma could develop or worsen.
- Skin reactions: You may experience itching, rashes, or other skin irritation after mold exposure.
- Neurological symptoms: Many people who are sensitive to mold experience headaches, fatigue, and other neurological symptoms
How is Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome treated?
The most effective ways to treat DMHS include the following:
- Remove the mold and dampness from the environment: Generally, people suffering from DMHS cannot get better until the source of irritation is removed. This means it’s important to fix water leaks, use a dehumidifier to keep humidity low, dry the wet areas, and remove anything with mold from the premises.
- Use the correct medications: Nasal steroid sprays, antihistamine pills, allergy shots, and inhalers are common treatments for dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome.
- Manage respiratory conditions: When DMHS causes asthma or other respiratory conditions, you may need an inhaler and steroids.
- Treating any mold-specific illnesses that developed: Fungal infections, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or other serious conditions can result from mold exposure and require specialized treatment.
What are your rights if you develop Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome?
In some cases, someone else was responsible for your continued exposure to the mold and your resulting illness.
This could be a landlord, but it could also be someone who sold you a home and failed to disclose the mold or the owner of a work or school building where you regularly suffer exposure.
If you can prove that your illness occurred because of a third party’s failure to fulfill their obligations to you, you may be able to bring a claim to recover compensation.
Contact a California mold exposure lawyer
Matthew de Lira is here and ready to help you pursue justice after you have been exposed to mold that made you sick. To find out more, give us a call at (858) 703-7048 or contact us online today to speak with a California mold exposure lawyer.