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What the People of San Diego Need to Know About Mold
San Diego's Growing Mold Problem
Mold contamination in homes and rental properties has become an increasing concern for residents of San Diego. While California has some regulations addressing mold exposure, the state still lacks licensing requirements for mold inspectors and remediators, leaving consumers at risk of unqualified professionals and costly legal battles.
San Diego residents have seen significant mold-related lawsuits, with tenants and homeowners seeking justice for severe health issues and property damage caused by prolonged exposure.
Major Mold Lawsuits in San Diego
San Diego-based attorney Richard LaFave has successfully handled numerous mold-related cases, securing substantial settlements for his clients. His firm, LaFave Law Group, has fought for renters and homeowners affected by toxic mold, winning cases that include:
$1,675,000 settlement for a family suffering from respiratory illnesses and neurological issues due to mold exposure.
$500,000 settlement for a tenant forced to endure unlivable conditions in a mold-infested rental unit.
$275,000 award for a mold-related personal injury claim against a negligent landlord.
These cases are just a small fraction of the many mold disputes that arise across San Diego. However, countless residents suffer in silence, either because they are unaware of their rights or because landlords and property owners downplay the risks.
California's Mold Guidelines – Not Enough Protection
The State of California does have some mold-related regulations, primarily through California Health and Safety Code Section 26147 and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Some key aspects of the guidelines include:
✔ Defining indoor mold exposure as a health risk
✔ Recommending proper ventilation and moisture control
✔ Allowing tenants to report mold issues to local health departments
However, these guidelines do not go far enough. Unlike Florida, Texas, and New York, California does not require mold professionals to be licensed, meaning anyone can claim to be a mold inspector or remediator—even without proper training or expertise.
Expert Calls for Licensing in California
Eric Andrews, CEO of Mold Inspection & Testing San Diego, urges California to take mold issues more seriously by implementing statewide licensing and regulations. He explains:
"California needs to recognize the severity of mold exposure and regulate the industry accordingly. Licensing mold professionals would protect consumers from unqualified contractors and ensure proper inspections and remediation. Other states have taken this step—California should too."
Without these protections, San Diego residents remain vulnerable to scams, ineffective mold removal, and continued health risks.
Mold Exposure Can Have Serious Health Consequences
The growing scientific evidence linking mold exposure to chronic health conditions is impossible to ignore. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high levels of mold can lead to:
🛑 Respiratory infections and asthma
🛑 Neurological symptoms, including memory loss and confusion
🛑 Chronic fatigue and autoimmune disorders
🛑 Severe allergic reactions
San Diego residents deserve stronger protections, both legally and medically, to prevent avoidable health crises.
Conclusion: A Call for Stronger Mold Regulations
San Diego’s legal battles and tenant struggles highlight the urgent need for statewide mold licensing and oversight. Without clear regulations, residents will continue to suffer from preventable health issues, costly repairs, and legal disputes.
By following the lead of other states and implementing licensing for mold-related professionals, California can:
✔ Ensure qualified experts handle mold assessments and remediation
✔ Protect consumers from fraudulent services and unsafe living conditions
✔ Help prevent the devastating health effects of prolonged mold exposure
The time for stronger mold regulations in California is now—before more residents suffer the consequences of inaction.
Here's something you might be interested in.
What the People of San Diego Need to Know About Mold
What the People of San Diego Need to Know About Mold
San Diego's Growing Mold Problem
Mold contamination in homes and rental properties has become an increasing concern for residents of San Diego. While California has some regulations addressing mold exposure, the state still lacks licensing requirements for mold inspectors and remediators, leaving consumers at risk of unqualified professionals and costly legal battles.
San Diego residents have seen significant mold-related lawsuits, with tenants and homeowners seeking justice for severe health issues and property damage caused by prolonged exposure.
Major Mold Lawsuits in San Diego
San Diego-based attorney Richard LaFave has successfully handled numerous mold-related cases, securing substantial settlements for his clients. His firm, LaFave Law Group, has fought for renters and homeowners affected by toxic mold, winning cases that include:
$1,675,000 settlement for a family suffering from respiratory illnesses and neurological issues due to mold exposure.
$500,000 settlement for a tenant forced to endure unlivable conditions in a mold-infested rental unit.
$275,000 award for a mold-related personal injury claim against a negligent landlord.
These cases are just a small fraction of the many mold disputes that arise across San Diego. However, countless residents suffer in silence, either because they are unaware of their rights or because landlords and property owners downplay the risks.
California's Mold Guidelines – Not Enough Protection
The State of California does have some mold-related regulations, primarily through California Health and Safety Code Section 26147 and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Some key aspects of the guidelines include:
✔ Defining indoor mold exposure as a health risk
✔ Recommending proper ventilation and moisture control
✔ Allowing tenants to report mold issues to local health departments
However, these guidelines do not go far enough. Unlike Florida, Texas, and New York, California does not require mold professionals to be licensed, meaning anyone can claim to be a mold inspector or remediator—even without proper training or expertise.
Expert Calls for Licensing in California
Eric Andrews, CEO of Mold Inspection & Testing San Diego, urges California to take mold issues more seriously by implementing statewide licensing and regulations. He explains:
"California needs to recognize the severity of mold exposure and regulate the industry accordingly. Licensing mold professionals would protect consumers from unqualified contractors and ensure proper inspections and remediation. Other states have taken this step—California should too."
Without these protections, San Diego residents remain vulnerable to scams, ineffective mold removal, and continued health risks.
Mold Exposure Can Have Serious Health Consequences
The growing scientific evidence linking mold exposure to chronic health conditions is impossible to ignore. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high levels of mold can lead to:
🛑 Respiratory infections and asthma
🛑 Neurological symptoms, including memory loss and confusion
🛑 Chronic fatigue and autoimmune disorders
🛑 Severe allergic reactions
San Diego residents deserve stronger protections, both legally and medically, to prevent avoidable health crises.
Conclusion: A Call for Stronger Mold Regulations
San Diego’s legal battles and tenant struggles highlight the urgent need for statewide mold licensing and oversight. Without clear regulations, residents will continue to suffer from preventable health issues, costly repairs, and legal disputes.
By following the lead of other states and implementing licensing for mold-related professionals, California can:
✔ Ensure qualified experts handle mold assessments and remediation
✔ Protect consumers from fraudulent services and unsafe living conditions
✔ Help prevent the devastating health effects of prolonged mold exposure
The time for stronger mold regulations in California is now—before more residents suffer the consequences of inaction.
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Members of the editorial staff of San Diego Reader were not involved in the creation of this content.