Can you get disability for mold exposure?

Author: Andre Sipes MD  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

Although they do not specifically list CIRS and mold illness, many individuals will qualify as persons with a disability because the physical and mental impairments caused by CIRS and mold illness often substantially limit one or more major life activities.

Is mold exposure a disability?

The health consequences of mold exposure will vary from person to person. This means some individuals with mold sensitivity will meet the ADA's definition of disability, and some will not. For those with relatively healthy immune systems, symptoms of exposure may be mild.

How do you prove mold exposure?

How do doctors test for mold? Some of the commonly prescribed medical tests for mold sickness are Mycotoxin testing, IGE testing, Scratch Allergy testing GI testing, and DNA testing. Your doctor will often use your environmental report to identify the appropriate corresponding medical test.

How much can you sue for mold exposure?

Judgments and settlements awarded to tenants suffering from mold can vary but can be several thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending upon whether the landlord was negligent, and the severities of the health problems caused by mold.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

What are the symptoms of a mold allergy or reaction to exposure?

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

How hard is it to win a mold lawsuit?

Toxic mold lawsuits are particularly complicated, as they often involve multiple causes of action, can implicate a wide range of potential defendants, and require specific medical and scientific expertise.

Will I recover from mold exposure?

Yes, you can recover from mold exposure. Once removed from the moldy environment and after receiving appropriate treatment, symptoms usually improve. However, prompt medical intervention is vital, as prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues or more severe health complications.

How much compensation do you get for mold?

The amount of a settlement will vary widely, depending on the specific factors involved in a case. Some of the relevant factors include the specific geographic location where the home is located, what caused the mold to occur in the first place, and the nature and severity of the damages suffered by the injured party.

What kills mold in the body?

Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.

What does a mold cough sound like?

The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound.

How do you prove mold illness?

Blood (IgE) test

The blood sample goes to a laboratory. The lab test measures the amount of IgE in your blood that binds to black mold. It may take a week or longer to get the results from a blood test sent to a lab.

Will FEMA pay for mold removal?

As a homeowner who is eligible for FEMA assistance, you may receive funds to remove disaster-caused mold damage as part of your Home Repair Assistance award. For information about mold cleanup from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit CDC.gov/mold/cleanup.

How long does a mold lawsuit take?

So, how long does a mold lawsuit take? Unfortunately, there's no simple, singular answer to this. The timeline can vary greatly depending on your specific situation and factors such as the extent of mold issues, the severity of water damage, and the presence of mold spores.

What are the signs of mold sickness?

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Cough and postnasal drip.
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Dry, scaly skin.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

How to get your house tested for mold?

It's best to hire a professional mold inspector for accurate results. They have the experience and equipment such as digital moisture meters, hygrometers, infrared cameras, and borescopes, to detect and identify mold growth, and DIY kits may be unreliable.

How do I claim mold damage?

Gather evidence: Take photos of the disrepair, mould, or damp. Keep records of any financial losses (e.g., damaged furniture) and medical reports if the disrepair has affected your health. Seek legal advice: A solicitor specialising in housing disrepair claims can help assess your case and advise on the next steps.

How to prove causation in a mold case?

In order to establish causation, the plaintiff must prove both “general causation,” that the particular species of mold is capable of causing the plaintiff's specific injury, and “specific causation,” that the plaintiff was in fact exposed to a dose of the alleged toxic mold sufficient to cause the plaintiff's injury.

Who pays for mold damage?

Through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), FEMA may provide funds to address damage from mold. If you are a homeowner, you may receive Home Repair funds for clean up, removal, or remediation of disaster-caused mold.

How do I test if my house is making me sick?

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

How to tell if mold is in walls?

Mold can also grow behind wallpaper or inside the walls. “The main visible sign of mold growth is the discoloration of the wall; even if you paint over it, mold will persist and continue to show signs on the surface,” Rubino warns.

What are the symptoms of bad indoor air?

Symptoms caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, eye irritation, coughing, dizziness, and respiratory infections.

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