What are the basic health concerns about mold and mildew?

Mold/Mildew in A/C vents?

• When we first moved into our apartment we noticed mold on the ceiling in the bathroom and there ended up being a huge roach infestation. The complex cleaned it up for us and had an exterminator treat our unit but since our move here in Feb, my husband, 1yr old daughter and I have all been sick on and off. My daughter gets frequent runny noses and fevers (some of which I attribute to normal toddler teething and such but it seems to be pretty often). She's also had ear infections and a cough. My husband has had throat issues and constant swollen glands. I'm pregnant and currently experiencing the worst sinus infection I've ever had and now having migraines as well. My husband and I are both on antibiotics for the different infections our doctors said were due to "allergens" in the home. Someone suggested we look for mold in our vents- however this complex has every vent painted shut. In the kitchen I can see something black creeping around the corners of the slats but I'm really not entirely sure what to look for. I've heard from neighbors and previous residents that this place used to be very very run down and that just in the last year they've undergone a face-lift (which seems to consist of cheap fixes and cut corners in most all cases). I'm concerned about the health risks mold or mildew might pose for my 1 yr old and the infant we'll be bringing home in August. I'm contacting the apartment manager today and I'm hoping they will respond quicker than they have in the past. If they do find mold/mildew will we need to move? How serious is this?

• Answer:

  The entire issue of mold/mildew is a tricky matter. Some people are more sensitive than others - some molds are more dangerous than others. This is a matter that should be taken up with the landlord's insurer, if they have mold insurance coverage. The insurance company will send someone do an inspection. if it is determined that there is a mold issue, testing should be done, with remediation of the mold if positive. You will have to move (insurance will pay) while remediation is being done. The insurance company will probably offer you an incentive ($1,000-1,500) to move out permanently, before the determination is made, with the requirement that you sign a release disallowing future liability on their part. If you feel you are not being taken seriously, you can easily find a lawyer who deals in these matters. They are nearly as common as "ambulance chasers" and "sue the big truck" lawyers, since this is also a high-dollar industry. I am not trying to minimize the seriousness here, it's just that the large majority (90%) of mold issues are not serious. Almost every home in certain areas has some mold/mildew - this level is tested against the outside air for comparison. If there is mold and your family is having medical issues with it - it would seem to be in your best interests to remove yourself from the source. If you think your family might already have serious medical issues, you need to get that verified with a doctor, and you'd probably be better off not signing a release.