Moldy Bed Sheets in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Hotels
Mold affects both the home and the people inside the home. The structural integrity of the home or building is compromised when mold festers and spreads. The health of the people and pets that live or inhabit the home or dwelling is also compromised by mold. What happens, however, when the mold is on bed linens? Bed sheets in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels grow mold that can infect people, especially those with compromised immune systems, cause serious illness, and even lead to death.
Pittsburgh Hospital Bed Linens Fatal Outbreak
In October 2014, five mold related deaths occurred in Pittsburgh at two area hospitals. The cause of the patients’ deaths is believed to be a fungal infection spread through moldy sheets from the hospitals’ linen launderer, an entity separate from the hospital. As a result of the five deaths, the Pittsburgh hospitals commissioned a private investigator who found evidence of mold in the laundry facility. The families of the deceased people are now suing the hospital and launderer for negligence and wrongful death.
Toxic Mold Facts
The health effects of mold exposure depend on the type of mold and the person exposed. Individuals with compromised immune systems, like infants, the elderly, and cancer patients tend to develop serious complications from mold exposure, up to and including death.
How is Mold Transmitted?
Via skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation.
What are Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
Allergic reactions, infections, poisonous effects, rash, and cold-like symptoms.
Types of Mold
There are many strands of mold. All mold grows naturally in shady and wet places. The most dangerous molds to humans are stachybotrys, aspergillus, and penicillium.
- Aspergillus: Mold grows in lungs and sinuses, leading to permanent lung damage and death if untreated. Other strands of aspergillus mold affect cellular function, the liver, and the kidneys.
- Penicillium: Not to be confused with the penicillium that acts like an antibody, this type of mold affects the liver, kidneys, and the nervous system.
- Stachybotrys: This type of fungus produces rashes, inflammation and hemorrhaging of the lung, and suppression of the immune system.
For more information about toxic mold, visit the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Have You Been Infected by Moldy Bed Sheets in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, or Hotels? Contact Cash, Krugler & Fredericks
The law firm of Cash, Krugler & Fredericks represents victims of serious injuries because of the negligence or intentional misconduct of others. When the injuries lead to the death of a loved one, family members may pursue wrongful death actions in addition to the survivor suit. Specializing in auto and trucking accidents, spinal cord injuries, elevator accidents, brain injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, and premise liability matters, contact Cash Krugler & Fredericks to schedule a comprehensive review of your claim or call us at (404) 659-1710.
