Residential Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMold is a fungus<\/a> that comes in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. It often seems innocuous: a small or slowly growing patch of colored fuzz, hidden beneath the kitchen sink or behind basement pipes. However, mold can be found in almost any dark, damp place, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n- Attics <\/li>
- Basements <\/li>
- Showers <\/li>
- Heating and cooling appliances and their surroundings <\/li>
- Kitchen and bathroom sinks <\/li>
- Showers and toilets <\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Potential Dangers of Residential Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nAlthough most forms of mold<\/a> are not necessarily hazardous, any concentration of these water-loving fungi could cause serious problems, both for people and for homes. Mold can: <\/p>\n\n\n\n- Emit tiny spores which irritate the respiratory system<\/a><\/li>
- Rapidly spread throughout rooms <\/li>
- Gradually destroy wooden fixtures, fabric, and cellulose-based materials<\/li>
- Compromise a home\u2019s structural integrity <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some dangerous types of mold can produce mycotoxins, which can induce serious – even life-threatening – physiological and neurological<\/a> reactions, including seizures, chronic fatigue, and recurring respiratory problems. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.asbestosclaims.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Image-Residential-article-body-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChecking Your Home for Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nIf you are planning to sell your home, or are looking to purchase a new one, you could check for obvious signs of mold by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Looking for and investigating any standing water in basements or bathrooms<\/li>
- Inspecting water marks on walls, ceilings, or floors<\/li>
- Trying to sniff out any “must”-like smells<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you have hired a home inspector, ask them if they have seen any signs of mold. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAsbestos In Homes and Construction<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBackground on Residential Asbestos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in six different forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While we know today that asbestos is incredibly dangerous, it was once renowned for its strength, resilience, and heat-resistant properties. People have sought to harness asbestos for thousands of years<\/a>. In modern times, asbestos has been used to reinforce and fortify everything from automotive parts to wall paint and vinyl floor tiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMany homes built between the 1920s and 1970s<\/a> have \u201casbestos containing materials,\u201d or \u201casbestos contaminated materials,\u201d including but not limited to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n- Cement pipes <\/li>
- Carpet underlay<\/li>
- Asphalt roof shingles <\/li>
- Vinyl floor tiles<\/li>
- Heating and electrical ducts <\/li>
- Pipe insulation <\/li>
- Adhesives<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos and Human Health <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nScientists believe there is no safe level of asbestos exposure<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen people inhale asbestos, tiny microscopic fibers\u2014most smaller than the width of a single human hair\u2014can enter the respiratory system. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and embed themselves inside the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some asbestos-related conditions are not harmful. Pleural plaques<\/a>, for instance, are almost always caused by asbestos exposure. However, pleural plaques\u2014a thickening of the tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest\u2014usually do not adversely impact health. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBut pleural plaques can be a risk factor for other asbestos-related conditions, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Pleural effusions, or \u201cwater in the lungs.\u201d This can cause respiratory problems and chest pan.\u00a0<\/li>
- Asbestosis<\/a>, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Most people who are diagnosed with asbestosis<\/a> were exposed to asbestos on the job.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mesothelioma<\/a>, an aggressive cancer that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body. Most mesothelioma cases can be traced back to asbestos exposure. <\/li>
- Different forms of cancer, including lung cancer. While asbestos exposure rarely causes lung cancer by itself, people with histories of both tobacco use and asbestos exposure have a high risk of developing lung cancer<\/a>. <\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Asbestos in Modern Homes <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nAsbestos is undoubtedly dangerous. Unfortunately, many homes still contain asbestos in different places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, finding asbestos materials in your home should not be a cause for immediate concern<\/a>. By and large, asbestos is not dangerous when it is left undisturbed, sealed behind walls or trapped underneath vinyl flooring. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAsbestos Can Break Down Into Tiny Hazardous Fibers and Be Inhaled or Swallowed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBut asbestos can prove problematic\u2014and highly hazardous\u2014if it is fragile or friable<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn other words, if asbestos breaks down into powder or dust, it may become airborne. And when asbestos is in the air, it could be inhaled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since asbestos fibers cannot be detected by the human eye<\/a>, nor can they be smelled, you should contact a trained asbestos testing service if you suspect your home might be contaminated by asbestos materials. Many states, counties, and cities maintain registries of licensed asbestos testing and removal services. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.asbestosclaims.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Image-Residential-article-body-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHomeowners\u2019 Responsibilities for Mold and Asbestos Removal <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nEvery state has its own rules for real estate disclosures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, many states will require homeowners and landlords to inform prospective buyers and tenants of known asbestos and mold problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos Exposure In Your Home Or Building Could Open You To Legal Liability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you have asbestos or mold in your home, your health\u2014and your wealth–might be in danger. If you do not take any steps to ensure that the asbestos or mold is either removed or safely contained, you expose yourself to liability<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAny future visitor, home-owner, or tenant could file a lawsuit<\/a> if they develop health concerns related to asbestos or mold exposure. You could be held responsible for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other legal damages. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSince asbestos and mold related diseases can be chronic and even life-threatening, the costs of treatment can be immense, often totaling in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Bottom Line on Asbestos and Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nIf you find asbestos or mold inside your house, you do not need to panic. However, you should consult a trained professional to test the suspected mold or asbestos materials to determine whether their concentrations could pose a threat to your health and that of any potential buyers or tenants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While paying for an asbestos removal service or mold clean-up can be modestly expensive, it will likely cost less than an angry occupant\u2019s claim for damages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n
Mold is a fungus<\/a> that comes in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. It often seems innocuous: a small or slowly growing patch of colored fuzz, hidden beneath the kitchen sink or behind basement pipes. However, mold can be found in almost any dark, damp place, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although most forms of mold<\/a> are not necessarily hazardous, any concentration of these water-loving fungi could cause serious problems, both for people and for homes. Mold can: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dangerous types of mold can produce mycotoxins, which can induce serious – even life-threatening – physiological and neurological<\/a> reactions, including seizures, chronic fatigue, and recurring respiratory problems. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you are planning to sell your home, or are looking to purchase a new one, you could check for obvious signs of mold by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have hired a home inspector, ask them if they have seen any signs of mold. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in six different forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While we know today that asbestos is incredibly dangerous, it was once renowned for its strength, resilience, and heat-resistant properties. People have sought to harness asbestos for thousands of years<\/a>. In modern times, asbestos has been used to reinforce and fortify everything from automotive parts to wall paint and vinyl floor tiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many homes built between the 1920s and 1970s<\/a> have \u201casbestos containing materials,\u201d or \u201casbestos contaminated materials,\u201d including but not limited to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientists believe there is no safe level of asbestos exposure<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When people inhale asbestos, tiny microscopic fibers\u2014most smaller than the width of a single human hair\u2014can enter the respiratory system. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and embed themselves inside the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some asbestos-related conditions are not harmful. Pleural plaques<\/a>, for instance, are almost always caused by asbestos exposure. However, pleural plaques\u2014a thickening of the tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest\u2014usually do not adversely impact health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But pleural plaques can be a risk factor for other asbestos-related conditions, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Asbestos is undoubtedly dangerous. Unfortunately, many homes still contain asbestos in different places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, finding asbestos materials in your home should not be a cause for immediate concern<\/a>. By and large, asbestos is not dangerous when it is left undisturbed, sealed behind walls or trapped underneath vinyl flooring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But asbestos can prove problematic\u2014and highly hazardous\u2014if it is fragile or friable<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, if asbestos breaks down into powder or dust, it may become airborne. And when asbestos is in the air, it could be inhaled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since asbestos fibers cannot be detected by the human eye<\/a>, nor can they be smelled, you should contact a trained asbestos testing service if you suspect your home might be contaminated by asbestos materials. Many states, counties, and cities maintain registries of licensed asbestos testing and removal services. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Every state has its own rules for real estate disclosures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many states will require homeowners and landlords to inform prospective buyers and tenants of known asbestos and mold problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have asbestos or mold in your home, your health\u2014and your wealth–might be in danger. If you do not take any steps to ensure that the asbestos or mold is either removed or safely contained, you expose yourself to liability<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Any future visitor, home-owner, or tenant could file a lawsuit<\/a> if they develop health concerns related to asbestos or mold exposure. You could be held responsible for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other legal damages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since asbestos and mold related diseases can be chronic and even life-threatening, the costs of treatment can be immense, often totaling in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you find asbestos or mold inside your house, you do not need to panic. However, you should consult a trained professional to test the suspected mold or asbestos materials to determine whether their concentrations could pose a threat to your health and that of any potential buyers or tenants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While paying for an asbestos removal service or mold clean-up can be modestly expensive, it will likely cost less than an angry occupant\u2019s claim for damages. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Potential Dangers of Residential Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChecking Your Home for Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos In Homes and Construction<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Background on Residential Asbestos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos and Human Health <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos in Modern Homes <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos Can Break Down Into Tiny Hazardous Fibers and Be Inhaled or Swallowed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHomeowners\u2019 Responsibilities for Mold and Asbestos Removal <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Asbestos Exposure In Your Home Or Building Could Open You To Legal Liability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Bottom Line on Asbestos and Mold <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n