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Molds thrive in wet environments with sufficient organic material and proper lighting. According to a report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, "common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems."
In the residential environment, the source of moisture that could be sufficient to support mold growth typically comes from two sources -
External Water Intrusion
External water intrusion includes leaks due to improperly constructed or manufactured roofing, windows, doors, and walls, as well as other paths that allow external water to intrude into the home and support mold growth.Internal Water Intrusion
Internal water intrusion includes constant or intermittent leaks from various sources inside a home, including improperly installed or repaired plumbing, showers and baths, sinks, HVAC systems, drains, and excessive condensation caused by inadequate ventilation and high humidity.
Molds and Property Damage
Like all fungi, molds lack chlorophyll and survive by digesting organic materials. Molds in the home survive by decomposing organic substances and building matter, such as insulation, carpet, wood, flooring, sheet rock, leather, and other organic surfaces found in the home. Over time, the growth of mold can present a real threat to the structural integrity of a home, and in many cases mold growth in a home substantially decreases the market value of a home. In addition, mold remediation is typically a costly process.
Molds and Human Interaction
According to a report released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, human symptoms associated with high mold levels in a home can include headaches, skin rashes and irritations, allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and aggravation of asthma symptoms. Molds can also produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can be found either within or clinging to the outside of the mold spores. According to the EPA, over 200 mycotoxins have been identified from molds, and humans can be exposed to these mycotoxins in the home through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.
Although the full list of molds that are potentially harmful to humans is not complete, the following molds are currently known to be harmful to humans:
Aspergillus versicolor
Stachybotrys atra, also known as "Black Mold"
Stachybotrys chartarum
Responsibility for Mold and Water Damage
Mold in the home can be identified in a variety of ways, and often a home will have a musty odor, surface discoloration, or a history of water saturation. Once mold is identified in a home, the first step typically is immediate remediation to ensure that the mold does not result in additional property damage or further health injuries to the home's occupants.
The residential construction defect attorneys at CPT have experience with mold litigation. In many cases, the source of mold or water damage can be traced back to improper construction, repair, or alternations of a home, improper installation or repair of a home system, such as plumbing or and HVAC system, or improper materials used in a home. The residential construction defect attorneys at CPT assist clients with evaluating and pursuing parties responsible for home's mold or water damage, including -
- Prior homeowners, who may have had a duty to disclose known mold or water damage
- Architects, structural engineers, and designers who may have improperly designed a home or failed to incorporate necessary mold prevention designs
- Contractors and subcontractors who may have improperly constructed or remodeled a home
- Material suppliers and building material manufacturers for improper manufacture or design of building materials and structures for use in a home
Mold and Water Damage Resources
The Environmental Protection Agency publishes an information pamphlet, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home" for consumers with questions concerning mold growth in the home
- The Environmental Protection Agency, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home" www.epa.gov/iaq,
- The Texas Department of Health www.tdh.state.tx.us/beh/iaq
- The Texas Departments of Insurance www.tdi.state.tx.us/commish/mold.html
If you believe that your home has black mold, call CPT today to discuss your potential claim with a residential construction attorney.
