Lead Poisoning and Toxic Mold
What is Lead?
Lead is a highly toxic metal used for many years in products found in and around the home. While there are many sources of lead, the one of most common concern is lead-based paint found in many older homes. The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in residential housing in 1978, and some states stopped its use even earlier.
The Dangers of Lead.
Lead is a dangerous substance, especially for young children. Lead can enter the body when someone puts his or her hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths. Lead can also enter the body when someone eats paint chips or soil containing lead, or breathes in lead dust, especially during property renovation projects that disturb painted surfaces.
Babies and young children are more susceptible to lead poisoning because they often put their hands or other objects in their mouths. Their growing bodies also absorb more lead, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead can suffer from:
· damage to the brain and nervous system
· behavior and learning problems
· slowed growth
· hearing problems
· headaches
Although less susceptible to lead poisoning than children, adults can suffer from:
· difficulties during pregnancy
· other reproductive problems (found in both men and women)
· high blood pressure
· digestive problems
· nerve disorders
· memory and concentration problems
· muscle and joint pain
Where Can Lead Be Found?
In general, the older your home, the more likely lead-based paint will be found there. Other places and activities where lead can be found include soil, drinking water, on the job, and in certain hobbies.
Protecting Your Family and Home from the Dangers of Lead.
If you suspect that there is lead in your home, or that your family has been exposed to lead, there are some steps you can take to ensure their protection:
· Have your children's lead levels measured through a simple blood test.
· Contact a qualified professional to assess the lead content of the paint in your home and/or to assess the risks of serious lead exposure.
Lead Exposure - Getting Legal Help.
If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions that might be related to lead exposure, you should first seek immediate medical attention. In the event that you have used products containing lead, or if you are concerned that you and your family have been exposed to lead around the home, you may wish to meet with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by lead exposure.
Toxic Mold
Toxic mold problems in homes and commercial buildings have dramatically increased in recent years. Many of these problems result in legal claims. Experts and lawyers who handle mold-related claims give various reasons for this increase -- including the increased emphasis on making buildings airtight; quick construction; faulty building techniques and materials; and increasingly complex building designs.
While many people have heard of "black mold," in fact there are a variety of strains that can cause ill health effects to residents and occupants in homes, businesses, and places of employment. If you feel that you have been exposed to toxic mold in your home or place of business, you may wish to contact an attorney or law firm specializing in toxic mold- related claims, to talk about your situation and protect your legal rights. Following is an overview discussion of toxic mold.
What Causes Mold in Homes and Buildings?
Mold spores are everywhere in the natural environment. They enter homes and buildings through windows, open doors, pets, or attached to people. Once the spore is in the home or building it must have abundant moisture, a food source, and a certain temperature range in order to grow.
Moisture infiltration is the main cause of building mold. Moisture may come from a wide variety of sources. Many modern homes and buildings are very airtight. This is great for efficiency, but not so great for allowing the structure to dry. For example, once moisture gets in through a pipe leak, faulty windows, roof leaks, or other sources, the water cannot evaporate. Mold is drawn to this moisture, and may grow on wet materials such as wood, insulation, ceiling tiles, and carpeting.
Mold - Warning Signs.
There are a variety of warning signs that should lead a person to investigate a home or commercial building for potential mold infestation. The earlier an investigation takes place, the better the possibility that a home or building owner can reduce possible damages and adverse health effects caused by mold exposure.
Following are some of warning signs that may indicate the presence of toxic mold:
· Visible mold growth
· Discoloration or water stains on internally facing walls or ceilings
· Discoloration or water stains on externally facing walls
· Areas of standing water or condensation on floors, walls, or window sills
· "Musty" odor
Types of Mold.
There are many types of mold that may occur in homes and office buildings -- some sources say that there are over 100,000 different species. Some mold species are considered harmless, while others can cause potentially serious adverse health effects.
The most common mold types found in homes and offices are:
· Cladosporium
· Penicillium
· Aspergillus
· Alternaria
· Stachybotrys atra
Why is Mold Harmful to Humans?
Certain molds produce volatile organic compounds ("VOCs") or toxins as byproducts of their metabolism. VOCs generally evaporate at room temperature. In fact, when a person smells a "musty" odor, he or she is actually smelling the volatile organic compounds. Some VOCs produce adverse health effects in certain predisposed individuals. In contrast to VOCs,, toxins do not evaporate easily, and some are considered very dangerous to humans. Regardless of whether a particular strain of mold produces VOCs or toxins, all molds should be considered potential health risks, and the presence of mold should lead to investigation, cleaning, and/or removal.
Illnesses Caused by Mold Exposure.
Some of the most common illnesses associated with mold exposure are:
· Worsening of allergies
· Respiratory problems
· Fevers
· Nasal and sinus congestion
· Burning and watering eyes
· Worsening of asthma symptoms
· Coughing
· Sore throat
· Flu-like symptoms
· Skin irritation
· Headaches
Toxic Mold - Get Help Now
Mold will grow when there is excessive moisture in a home or commercial building. Adverse health effects and clean-up costs after mold exposure can be devastating. If you discover a mold problem in your home, business, or place of employment, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. Especially in light of complex scientific evidence associated with toxic mold cases, and laws that limit the time in which you may file a potential claim for injuries, speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that your legal rights are protected
NationWide Law Group can assist individuals involved with a wide variety of Mold matters. If you have been exposed to Mold, you may be entitled to collect damages. NationWide Law Group would be honored to help determine if you have a case. Call us for a free legal consultation at 888-628-5294.
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