Mold Remediation In RI – What You Need To Know
Toxic mold can cause allergic reactions, and some people might be more sensitive than others. If you’ve discovered mold in your home or place of business, it’s imperative that it be removed immediately. But do you need a professional to provide mold remediation services in RI, or can you do it yourself? And what about your legal options if you suffered adverse effects from mold exposure? As experienced RI mold attorneys, Petrarca Law is here to explain.
Here’s what you need to know about mold remediation in Providence RI and how to assess your legal options after mold exposure.
Different types of mold – Is red mold, orange mold, yellow mold, or green mold dangerous?
Mold is a fungal growth that needs moisture in order to grow. Any kind of damp or poorly ventilated environment is a perfect breeding ground. For example, bathrooms, basements, windowsills, and wood.
Mold comes in a full spectrum of colors and species. You might find pink mold in the sink, orange mold in the shower, yellow mold on walls, or green mold on wood. Black mold often receives the spotlight, as many believe it to be one of the most toxic species of mold.
Contrary to common belief, it’s not possible to tell the species of the mold by color alone. To confirm the exact species of mold, an expert needs to analyze a sample. Since it’s impossible to tell a toxic mold species apart from more benign molds by color alone, mold growth of almost any color has the potential to be dangerous–especially to someone with pre-existing respiratory problems.
Regardless of the mold’s color or location, if there’s a large quantity growing indoors, mold remediation in Providence RI is a must.
Potential health hazards of mold
According to the EPA, mold has the potential to cause health problems. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions similar to hay fever. Symptoms of an allergic mold reaction can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Red or irritated eyes
- Skin rashes
Some people may experience more intense reactions to mold than others. Populations at increased risk for adverse reactions to mold include:
- Children and infants
- Elderly people
- Immunocompromised people
- People with respiratory issues, such as asthma
Studies surrounding mold and health problems are still limited. But recent mold research has linked mold exposure to health problems like asthma, skin reactions, and even chronic fatigue syndrome.
I just found mold growth. What should I do? Who do I call for mold remediation in RI?
First, remove yourself from the area immediately. While not every species of mold is toxic, it’s best to play things safe, especially if the mold growth is large.
Get to a location with proper ventilation and try to limit your exposure to the mold. When you can, call a RI mold inspector or a mold removal company to assess it for you. From there, you can determine how to move forward with removing the mold.
What is mold remediation?
The process of removing mold is called mold remediation. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, if mold growth is larger than 10 square feet, it’s recommended that you allow a professional mold remediator or one of the many mold removal companies in RI to clean up the area.
If you’re immunocompromised, elderly, or have a pre-existing condition such as asthma, you should allow someone else to clean the mold for you even if the area is smaller than 10 square feet. A quick search for mold removal in Providence RI will provide many available options of reputable mold remediators.
If the mold growth is smaller than 10 square feet and you aren’t at an increased risk, it’s possible to remediate mold on your own with proper precautions.
At-home mold remediation: How to remove mold by yourself
Use the right equipment
To properly remediate mold, start by giving yourself the proper protection. A simple mold remediation how to guide is to wear gloves that cover your forearms, goggles, and an N-95 respirator to prevent inhaling mold spores.
You can purchase specialized cleaners designed for mold remediation in RI, or use another cleaner such as bleach, borax, baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or detergent. You’ll also want to have a scrub brush or dry towels on hand.
Clean the mold
Before you begin, repair any leaks or water problems and ensure that the area is as dry as possible. Make sure that the area is properly ventilated as you work.
Thoroughly scrub moldy areas clean with water and your cleaning product of choice, then allow the area to dry thoroughly. Try to clean deeper than just the surface. You want to remove the source of the mold itself.
Extensively damaged surfaces, like drywall or ceiling tiles, might need to be thrown away and replaced. If you’re unsure of how to clean a specific item, you can view more tips on mold remediation on the EPA’s website. If the damage is extensive, you can consult with one of the many restoration companies in RI for tips on how to save your belongings.
Prevent future mold growth:
Once you’ve successfully remediated the mold, take steps to ensure that it won’t grow back. Some of the ways you can prevent future mold growth include:
- Properly ventilating
- Using dehumidifiers or air conditioners to control humidity levels
- Removing carpet in moisture-prone areas, such as basements or bathrooms
- Repairing leaky pipes or faucets,
- Installing proper drainage systems in your yard
- Keeping your home clean and dry
But even after you’ve successfully removed the mold, the consequences of mold growth can linger. You may have had to throw away treasured belongings that were impossible to clean, or even developed long-term health problems after breathing in mold spores. And if someone else was responsible for the mold growth, you could have a legal case on your hands.
Can I sue for mold exposure in Rhode Island?
Yes. It’s possible to sue for mold exposure in Rhode Island.
If a landlord, contractor, or another third party allowed mold to fester in your home or workplace, it could be possible to sue for negligence, breach of warranty, or failure to disclose.
For example, if you endured a lengthy hospital stay after being exposed to mold in your apartment. It could be possible to sue the landlord or property manager to recover the cost of your medical bills.
In addition to health problems, mold growth can cause expensive property damage. For instance, if a contractor installed a poor design that resulted in extensive mold damage in your home, it could be possible to sue for your damaged belongings.
There are no federal regulations about mold lawsuits. State regulations and any other previous mold lawsuit are the guiding thresholds. There is a precedent for large mold lawsuit settlement amounts in multiple states, some in the multi-million dollar range.
Who are the best lawyers in Providence Rhode Island for mold lawsuits?
If you’ve been exposed to toxic mold and need help filing a lawsuit, contact us.
As experienced Providence lawyers, we can help you assess your legal options and determine the right course of action for your situation. We’ll help you throughout the entire legal process, from researching your case, filing a lawsuit, negotiating on your behalf, and representing you both in and outside of court.
You can leave everything to us, so you can focus on getting your life back on track after mold exposure.
Contact our office for a free consultation.