If you are a renter in California, you know that your landlord is responsible for maintaining a safe home environment. This includes making sure that mold is kept under control to prevent a range of negative health effects. Landlords that fail to address the issue of mold within the home can be held accountable for their actions.
As stated by Medicinenet.com, mold can cause a range of symptoms that may develop into more serious health concerns over time. If you already suffer from asthma, you could be susceptible to an increase of existing symptoms. Even if you have not previously experienced such symptoms, mold in your home can result in coughing, wheezing, and irritation to the upper respiratory tract.
You may also develop a sensitivity if you are exposed to mold. Mold allergy symptoms are similar to those present with other types of allergies, such as redness or itching of the eyes, sneezing, and skin irritation. There is also a chance of more damaging reactions occurring. In some cases, you may experience trouble breathing and an elevated temperature, which can lead to a significant infection of the lungs if mold growth is not controlled.
While your landlord is ultimately responsible for keeping your home free of mold, there are a few steps you can take to keep growth at bay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend reducing the level of humidity in your home by keeping moisture to a minimum. A dehumidifier can be useful in this case, as can plumbing repair to ensure water leaks are not contributing to moisture levels. While a thorough cleaning can do away with existing mold, steps must be taken to prevent it from coming back.
