Mold growth occurs inside homes and apartments when leaks create a damp, humid environment. Left unchecked, mold can lead to serious health issues, especially for people who already have asthma, allergies, lung disease or another chronic illness.
Review the symptoms of mold exposure and the possible health effects so you can seek help for this serious medical issue.
Symptoms of mold exposure
If your home has a mold problem, you may experience:
- Red, swollen or itchy skin
- Itchy or red eyes
- Wheezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
A severe allergic reaction to mold can cause shortness of breath and fever. See a doctor right away if you have trouble breathing. Infants, toddlers and senior citizens are also more likely to become sick from the effects of mold.
Health problems caused by mold
The World Health Organization says that young children exposed to mold have a higher risk of developing asthma. People who have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a skin rash or lung infection after mold exposure.
People who have asthma and other types of chronic respiratory disease may experience difficulty breathing with exposure to mold. Treat this as a medical emergency.
If you live in a New York City Housing Authority building and you suffer from health issues related to mold exposure, you may have legal recourse. If the NYCHA knew about and did not fix a mold infestation, the agency could have to pay for your medical bills and other costs related to the illness. To file a premises liability lawsuit against public housing in New York City, you must give the NYCHA at least 90 days’ written notice.