Mold in the Workplace

Employees usually try to stay on the lookout for dangerous hazards in their workplace. The risks posed by improperly marked chemicals or poorly maintained equipment are fairly obvious, but what about problems that may be difficult or impossible to spot under normal circumstances? Mold can grow in the ceiling or inside walls, causing health problems for workers but remaining completely unseen.

Mold spores are constantly present in the environment - there are over 1,000 species in the U.S. alone. When mold spores take hold and start to grow indoors, though, some problems can develop. The mold consumes organic materials and may create unpleasant odors, colors, and in wood-framed buildings, possible cause structural integrity issues. Mold does not need sunlight to grow. All it requires is moisture and a source of material to feed on, meaning colonies can easily take hold in dark, difficult to find areas of buildings.

Most of the health effects of mold exposure are fairly typical of allergic reactions. Persistent runny nose, red eyes, scratchy throat and other hay fever-like symptoms may indicate that a person has been working around toxic molds. Mold can also cause skin or mucosal infections. Systemic infections may be a risk for individuals with existing immunity problems. People who are seriously allergic to mold may suffer from respiratory issues, including asthma attacks.

Though public awareness of the potential for mold to cause health problems has greatly increased, there are no federal regulations regarding airborne mold concentrations in the workplace. That does not mean that mold cannot make you sick. Your employer should keep the workplace free of leaks, pooled water, areas of high condensation or humidity, and dirty HVAC systems in order to prevent mold growth. If you notice water damage, musty or moldy odors, or leaks, or if your co-workers have been complaining of the symptoms discussed above, you should inform your employer that you are concerned there may be a mold problem.

Remedying a serious mold infestation is not a small task. Due to the costs of locating and fully cleaning up mold, your employer may be reluctant to investigate the situation. If they refuse, you may need to consider pursuing legal action to ensure that your workplace is safe and that you receive any compensation you may deserve.

For more information about lawsuits involving mold in the workplace, visit the website of Philadelphia workers' compensation attorneys Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Joseph Devine

Georgia Mesothelioma Lawyers Detroit Personal injury Attorney