Lyme disease often occurs when a person in an area populated by the Ixodes scapularis tick gets bitten and picks up a spiral-shaped Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium from the bite. Most people will then develop a target-shaped rash around the bite – known as Erythema migrans. Credit: Shutterstock.
A ‘typical’ case of Lyme disease looks like this: a person in an area populated by the Ixodes scapularis tick gets bitten and picks up a spiral-shaped Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium from the bite. Most people will then develop a target-shaped rash around the bite – known as Erythema migrans – which usually appears within a week, but can take up to a month to materialise. More than 300,000 new cases are reported in the US each year, with a further 65,000 cropping up in Europe.
The bite is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue. Some patients may not develop or notice a rash, only visiting a doctor when they begin to feel physically unwell, and end up having the infection confirmed by a blood test instead. If the symptoms are ignored the illness can progress to cause more serious neurologic and arthritic problems, known as late disseminated Lyme disease, but even then 30 days of doxycycline should be able to clear things up. (See link for article)
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Microbiologist Tom Grier’s Letter to the Editor:
Lyme disease: What’s actually going on here?
I am a microbiologist that has done 25+ years of work on Borreliosis and the effects of Borrelia infection of the human brain.
The only reason there is a controversy about the persistence of LIVE Borrelia spirochetes in patients that have been treated with antibiotics is simply that the CDC, NIH, Yale, Mayo Clinic, and SUNY all have patents on blood-tests for Lyme disease, and base their conclusions on blood tests. This is not only a financial conflict of interest, but now is a problem with reputations and jobs. ConflictReport
The most notable Lyme disease experts have not done a single brain autopsy to confirm the absence of infection. Not one tax-payer dollar has been spent on brain pathology to investigate Borrelia species in dementia, MS, or chronic Lyme disease or neuro Borrelia myamotoi.
Several private funded pathologists have done the research and found persistence and some interesting pathology.
Borrelia can persist behind the blood-brain-barrier for decades. Further, the spirochete can take refuge inside human brain-neurons. No blood test can detect this type of persistence, because the peripheral immune system stops detecting the infection.
To make things more difficult both Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia myamotoi form clusters surrounded by secreted glycoprotein gel and embeds inside amyloid plaques.
This is low hanging fruit waiting to be picked by the CDC or State Health Departments, but they refuse to do the brain pathology needed, even though many brain-banks offer ample easy access and samples they haven’t and won’t spend a dime that would ruin the reputations of the serology-cartel.
Attached are just a few of hundreds of images showing persistence despite negative blood tests.
“Thomas Grier M.S. studied Clinical Immunology and Microbiology at the University of MN Duluth, and began a doctorate program in Geriatrics until the program was discontinued. He then worked on human vaccine development and developed antibody testing to detect bacteria in Pylonephritis. He also worked on a T-cell model of Leukemia in mice trying to target the immune system against Leukemia-Lymphocytic markers to reduce Lymphocyte levels. In 1990, he was misdiagnosed with MS and was finally diagnosed with Lyme Encephalitis in 1991. Following his fight with recovering from this disease, he wrote the “Lyme Disease Survival Manual” for patients, which sold worldwide. Currently, Tom is the Executive Director of Pathology Studies at MIBDEC. MIBDEC is an non-profit organization trying to register Dementia and MS patients to donate their brains to science to look for spirochetes (Lyme) as a possible connection to some (not all) dementias. He does this because of the refusal by health departments, the NIH or CDC to do the proper work to rule out spirochetes within the brain as a cause of our increased rate of dementia in America and around the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Also like many in his field, he is concerned about the government not telling us the truth about epidemic diseases and the purposely funding of bad science. There are also conflicts of financial interest that prevent good science from prevailing.”
Trump Holds Meeting With Recovered COVID-19 Patients – First One Has Chronic Lyme
The first patient to speak is Representative Karen Whitsett who credits President Trump’s promotion of a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, with her recovery from coronavirus. Other COVID-19 survivors also speak after her at the White House. During their informal discussions, Rep. Whitsett, who had a severe case of COVID-19, brought up her chronic Lyme disease as an underlying condition. Throughout the 41-minute meeting, President Trump highlighted how serious and devastating Lyme disease is, stating that it “can kill you.”
EXCERPTS OF LYME DISEASE DISCUSSION DURING MEETING
Starting at 2:15 – Whitsett’s’ husband talks about getting hydroxychloroquine late at night for his wife as she was not doing well. Rep. Whitsett goes on to say she’s lost several family members to COVID-19. Evidently, many of them were turned away from the hospital. She brings up the important point that this treatment needs to be available for everyone – not just her, due to her name and position.
Starts at 9:40- STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: The shortenings of — the shortening of breath is what really got me afraid because I do have Lyme disease. And thank you for always mentioning about Lyme disease.
THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Yeah. No, Lyme disease is a big deal.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Thank you for always bringing that to the forefront.
THE PRESIDENT: Do you think you still have Lyme disease?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: I do. I have chronic Lyme disease because I was never treated in time.
THE PRESIDENT: Can that be — can you get rid of it?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: I’m hoping that we’ll talk about that.
THE PRESIDENT: Lyme disease is a thing that people don’t talk about. It is brutal —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: It is brutal.
THE PRESIDENT: And if you have a certain type of blood, you have no chance.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: It’s brutal. It’s brutal. And then, on top of having COVID-19 with it, it is a nightmare.
THE PRESIDENT: Incredible.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: But the breathing is what scared me the most. And it came — I went from 0 to 100. It was from getting tested that day on March 31st to trying to do a few things around the house, to just all of a sudden my breathing became labored.
(Later In Discussion)
Start at 15:40 THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. No, if — by the way, we have tremendous endorsements. But if it were somebody else other than President Trump that put it forward — if some other person put it forward, they’d say, “Oh, let’s go with it.” You know.
What do you have to lose? They’ve been taking it for 40 years for malaria, which — by the way, it’s an unbelievable malaria pill. Unbelievable lupus pill. Unbelievable. In fact, the problem we had is people with lupus —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: And with Lyme disease.
THE PRESIDENT: Huh?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: And with Lyme disease. It was (inaudible) with Lyme disease.
THE PRESIDENT: And with — I heard Lyme disease, too.
(Later In Discussion)
Start at 22:00 THE PRESIDENT: I’m a little surprised they can’t do something with your Lyme disease. The Lyme disease is really terrible.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: That’s because that’s federal. I need you.
THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. Well, but —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: I need you on that.
THE PRESIDENT: — I mean, I could even have you see the doctor over here, because White — White House doctor. Ask the White House doctor to come.
PARTICIPANT: (Inaudible.)
THE PRESIDENT: Seriously. Because Lyme disease can be very, very bad.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Yeah. I don’t have a doctor any longer.
THE PRESIDENT: But it also can be — it also can — is it legal for me to allow her to use the White House doctor? You know what? If it’s not, I will suffer the repercussions. (Laughter.) I don’t care.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Well, there are —
THE PRESIDENT: The Democrats might not like that.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Well, there are a lot of people in Michigan and I do have eight Lyme bills that I am putting forward for Lyme disease —
THE PRESIDENT: Very good. Do it.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: — because you cannot get treated in Michigan, as a doctor sees fit, for Lyme disease.
THE PRESIDENT: People don’t know about Lyme disease. It’s a very bad —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: It’s horrible.
THE PRESIDENT: — very bad thing. And it —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: So it is something I’m working on.
THE PRESIDENT: But it is something, over a period of time, you can treat generally. It also can kill you. Lyme disease — if you —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Yes.
THE PRESIDENT: If you have a certain type blood, you get Lyme disease —
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Yes.
THE PRESIDENT: — it’s over.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: I’m glad you know that.
THE PRESIDENT: It’s literally over.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: I’m glad you know that.
THE PRESIDENT: I think type O — type O blood is not too good. If you have type O blood, stay out of the woods. Right?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: It’s not even the woods. I got this at home at five years old.
THE PRESIDENT: You got it at home?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: In Detroit.
THE PRESIDENT: But usually it’s from a deer tick, right?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: It is a deer tick.
THE PRESIDENT: So where did the tick come from?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Well, the tick does not discriminate. It will get on anything.
THE PRESIDENT: So it comes somehow, right?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Yes. A squirrel, a bug, a bird — anything. It doesn’t discriminate.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, it’s like when I hit a ball into the rough in golf. (Laughter.) You know what I say? “Enjoy yourself. I’m not going in there.” (Laughter.)
That Lyme disease is pretty tough, right?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: It is.
THE PRESIDENT: It’s a bad one. I’d like you to see our doctor before you leave, okay?
STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHITSETT: Thank you.
(Last Statements on Lyme)
Starts at 38:20 THE PRESIDENT: But what do I know? Am I allowed to take Karen over to see the White House doctors, see if we can help her out a little bit with Lyme disease? Because Lyme disease is a problem and there are some answers. What do you think? Are you guys going to report me for being a horrible human being? For doing something illegal? Did I do something illegal?
Q We can’t advise you on that, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: And then impeach me. Then you’ll impeach me because I tried to help her out with her Lyme disease. Do you think maybe? Because I’d like to do that. What do you think? Should I do it?
Q I can’t advise you on that, sir. But I — I certainly hope that she —
THE PRESIDENT: See, they never like to take chances, but I do. So, we’ll take a chance on it. Okay?
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**Comment**
I wonder if we can ALL see the White House doctor? Seems like he knows something we don’t.
Fantastic that Lyme disease came up. In the video, Rep Whitsett mentions being tired due to her “underlying condition” of Lyme disease. This is important because the majority of patients I work with have this symptom as a general rule – daily, even without the virus.
President Trump also brings up an important point about people politicizing hydroxychloroquine due to his endorsement of it. This is sad because it is a drug that can help everyone regardless of political affiliation. The fact they would make a life-saving drug political is dumbfounding. To date, 3 states (MI, NV, NY) deny it to COVID-19 positive patients: https://www.thepostemail.com/2020/03/28/three-governors-deny-hydroxychloroquine-to-covid-19-positive-outpatients/
But politicizing drugs isn’t new to Lyme patients. There’s been a hard-core concerted effort to disallow antibiotics to chronically infected patients who remain symptomatic as well as IV antibiotics. The reasons – similar to the ones for plaquenil for COVID, is there are “side effects.” Well, I got news for you: ALL drugs have side-effects.Isn’t that what doctors go go school to learn about so they can make educated decisions with their patients?
Again, the control of drugs albeit opioids, antibiotics, and in this case an anti-malarial, is a common refrain. The only people that get hurt in the process are sick patients.
The study, expected to be completed on April 27, is a phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of remdesivir in hospitalized adult patients with mild and moderate 2019-nCoV infections. It will enroll 270 patients and be carried out in the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing.
We tested the efficacy of the broad-acting antiviral remdesivir in the rhesus macaque model of MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) infection. Remdesivir reduced the severity of disease, virus replication, and damage to the lungs when administered either before or after animals were infected with MERS-CoV. Our data show that remdesivir is a promising antiviral treatment against MERS that could be considered for implementation in clinical trials. It may also have utility for related coronaviruses such as the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV emerging from Wuhan, China.
Lyme disease is a multisystem infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi that mainly affects the joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Neurological complications usually manifest in untreated patients and present as meningitis, cranial neuropathies, and radiculoneuritis. The authors present the case of a 48-year-old male who developed loss of vision in the right eye over a period of two months. On physical examination a relative afferent pupillary defect of the right eye was noted. Visual evoked potential test revealed delayed P100 latency bilaterally, confirming a bilateral optic neuropathy. The analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed a lymphocytic meningitis. After an extensive work-up, a diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis with meningitis and optic neuritis was made. The patient was treated with antibiotics and showed gradual improvement. The follow-up brain MRI revealed a mild T2 hyperintensity on the right optic nerve with gliosis, sequelae of the inflammatory process.
Lyme disease should always be considered in patients from endemic areas with nonspecific symptoms. The diagnosis of neuroborreliosis is challenging, but prompt identification and treatment can prevent the development of complications and sequelae.
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**Comment**
Again, just because there isn’t thousands of cases in the literature – doesn’t mean this is rare. It’s only rare because so many go undiagnosed and testing misses over half of all patients. If you type in eye or optic in the search bar on this website, you will quickly determine eye issues with Lyme is not rare at all.
Nawrocki and his colleague first discussed this case in the Air Medical Journal in 2018.
A 15-year-old boy experienced an episode of exertional syncope while at a trampoline park. Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness.
He had a history of an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
His friends immediately called 911. They were not sure how long he was unconscious.
The boy was pale with a heart rate of 300 beats per minute, according to the medics. His EKG showed a wide complex tachyarrhythmia. That means that the heart is fast, and the QRS parts of his EKG were wide.
He was given a dose of amiodarone, but the ventricular tachycardia remained a problem. Amiodarone is a medicine used to treat and prevent irregular heartbeats.
At the hospital, he was dizzy and was short of breath. His heart rate remained between 290 and 300. His blood pressure dropped to 66/30 mm Hg.
He required synchronized cardioversion. Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure similar to electrical defibrillation. Synchronized cardioversion uses low energy synchronized with the heart.
His EKG changed to a third-degree heart block. That occurs when there is a complete block of impulses from the atrium to the ventricle. The atrium is the top of the heart, and the ventricle is the bottom. He had pacing pads placed.
He was flown to a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) at a children’s tertiary care hospital via rotary-wing aircraft staffed with two flight nurses.
He continued to have a complete heart block with a fast rhythm.
CARDIAC LYME DISEASE
Doctors suspected Lyme disease and prescribed intravenous ceftriaxone. The diagnosis of Lyme disease was confirmed by “anti-Lyme titers” and Western blot tests.
His low heart rate and low pressure continued. The doctors inserted a transvenous pacemaker to control the heart rate.
He had three additional episodes of ventricular tachycardia. He was cardioverted twice.
But after several days of intravenous antibiotics, the boy’s heart block gradually resolved, and the pacemaker was removed.
He completed 28-days of IV treatment. He remains well on a one-year follow-up, according to the authors.
The authors note that conduction problems have been reported previously in untreated Lyme disease. The list of conduction abnormalities includes first and second-degree AV block, ST and T wave changes, prolonged QT, junctional tachycardia, and complete heart block.
There was no mention of conduction problems in patients who have been treated. I have not seen conduction problems in patients I have treated.
What can we learn from these cases?
Cardiac Lyme disease or more commonly known as Lyme carditis, can lead to life-threatening rhythm disturbances.
The conduction problems with cardiac Lyme disease can rapidly change.
Antibiotic treatment was helpful.
A pacemaker was necessary in this case. The doctor was able to remove the pacemaker after treatment with antibiotics.
What questions do these cases raise?
How often does cardiac Lyme disease occur?
Are there cases of cardiac Lyme disease cases that are not diagnosed?
Were there any warning signs of cardiac Lyme disease that would have allowed treatment before the young man collapsed?
4. Would the doctors have been able to recognize cardiac Lyme disease early before the need for hospitalization, air transport, and cardioversion?
TREATING TICK-BORNE DISEASE IN MY PRACTICE
In my practice, each individual requires a careful assessment. That is why I order a broad range of blood tests for other illnesses in addition to tick-borne infections. I also arrange consultations with specialists as needed.
Many patients are complex, as highlighted in this Inside Lyme Podcast series.
We need more doctors with skills recognizing Lyme carditis. We hope that professionals evaluating individuals with Lyme carditis can use this case to remind them to look for tick-borne illnesses and treat accordingly.
Inside Lyme Podcast Series
This Inside Lyme case series will be discussed on my Facebook and made available on podcast and YouTube. As always, it is your likes, comments, and shares that help spread the word about this series and our work. If you can, please leave a review on iTunes or wherever else you get your podcasts.
Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our cases.
References:
Nawrocki PS, Poremba M. A 15-Year-Old Male With Wide Complex Tachyarrhythmia. Air Med J. 2018;37(6):383-387.
Lyme and Mold: A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself at Home
by Jennifer Shea
Posted 3/30/20
Mold can be a year-round problem, but early spring is the unofficial beginning of “mold season,” when April showers and rising humidity levels create a prime moist environment for mold growth across the country. And for those who have mold in their homes — and the vast majority of us do have some level of growth — it might be particularly problematic this year if you’re sheltering in place in response to the COVID-19 crisis and can’t relocate or even just get outside for an extended period of cleansing fresh air.
Though you often can’t see or smell mold, the presence of it in your home can be problematic to your health. For those with chronic Lyme disease, undetected mold can exacerbate existing health problems. On one end of the spectrum, symptoms associated with mold exposure may be mild, such as itchy eyes or sneezing that comes with an allergic reaction. But on the other end, exposure to mold, especially toxic mold, can lead to a host of life-altering symptoms.
While the connection between Lyme disease and mold illness is not yet fully understood, one thing is clear: Mold exposure can hinder your recovery from chronic Lyme disease and coinfections. Since reducing mold exposure is of interest to most Lyme patients, let’s review some basic facts about this topic.
Mold Basics
1. Mold is Everywhere.
Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces via spores that float in the air. Mold spores are normally present in the environment and 50% of American homes. In all likelihood, you can probably find evidence of mold in every home if you look for it. For some people, even slight exposure to mold can be problematic, especially when it’s coupled with immune dysfunction that’s so common in people with chronic illnesses.
2. Mold Needs Certain Conditions to Thrive.
Three conditions are needed for mold growth: an ideal temperature, a food source, and moisture. As luck would have it, the temperature in most homes is suitable for mold growth, and cellulose-rich building materials such as drywall, wood studs, ceiling panels, and wet insulation provide an excellent food source, according to a paper in the International Journal of Construction Education and Research. Dirt and dust can act as a food source for mold, too. It can also grow inside wallpaper and ventilation ducts, behind walls, above ceilings, and underneath carpets and floorboards.
Keep in mind that the potential for a problem exists in any indoor environment damaged by water intrusion from conditions such as rising damp from basements, plumbing leaks, inadequate ventilation, or seepage of rain due to a leaky roof or windows. Humidity of 60% or higher is sufficient moisture to promote mold growth, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3. Everyone Responds Differently to Mold.
While some may not notice it all, those who are allergic will have a sensitive immune response that alerts them to the fact that they need to leave the moldy environment. Symptoms of an allergic response include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Eye irritation
Congestion
Postnasal drip
Dry, scaly, or itchy skin
Some people, however, won’t display the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. They may not recognize that mold is present, and instead, unknowingly inhale mold spores. These spores can attach to the mucous membranes of the sinuses, lungs, and gastrointestinal system, where they can grow.
However, for individuals who have the HLA-DR gene, which is present in approximately 25% of the population, they are more likely to experience adverse symptoms when they come in contact with mold and mold mycotoxins than other people. The reason? The HLA-DR gene prevents people from developing the antibodies needed to remove mycotoxins, the toxic substances produced by mold that can make a person sick. A laboratory blood test can be ordered by your physician or another qualified healthcare professional to determine if you carry this gene.
Despite valiant efforts to resolve Lyme disease and coinfections, some patients might find that their health continues to plummet — and undetected mold in their home could be the culprit. Prolonged exposure to mold and mycotoxins can cause a plethora of symptoms, including:
Ultimately, mold toxins in your home can impair your immune system and lead to a general decline in health. Take note of whether you feel poorly while inside your home and better when you’re outside. If that’s true for you, it could be a clue that mold is a problem inside your house.
You Suspect Mold in Your Home. Now What?
Though the thought of mold in your house is overwhelming, try not to panic. It’s a common problem, and it can be mitigated with the right actions. Here are some steps you can take.
Consider a Self-Administered Mold Test.
There are several screening tests available that can be performed without the need to call in a professional. The benefit of self-testing is that it gives you a visual scale of the types and quantities of mold that are in your home, helping you gauge whether you can handle the cleanup yourself or if you need a professional. One such test is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, or ERMI, available through specialty labs like Mycometrics or Envirobiomics. The ERMI contains information on 36 different mold species that can occur in a home environment, which helps to calculate the total mold burden to which you’re exposed.
To use a test kit, you’ll need to take dust samples from your home, which will be evaluated using DNA-analysis. The test generates an index value used for comparison to other homes in the United States. Depending on the testing company, costs range from $240 to $300.
Another screening test to consider is the Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Assessment (EMMA) test by RealTime Laboratories. A small sample of dust or material from your air conditioner or heat filters is required. The EMMA test uses a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure to determine the presence and relative abundance of 10 of the most toxigenic molds and 15 of the most poisonous mycotoxins. The test costs approximately $400.
Determine Who Should Do the Cleanup.
If you have visible water damage or an active leak, you might not know what to do to effectively mitigate mold growth in your home. Is it safe to handle water-damaged areas of your home on your own, or do you need help from a professional? The answer depends both on the magnitude of the problem, and the state of your health.
According to the EPA, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, individuals without health concerns may be able to complete the job following their guidelines. They caution, however, that the problem will likely recur if the water issue is not fixed. (For safe removal of mold, refer to the EPA’s mold cleanup guidelines.)
Some of the precautions that should be taken by healthy individuals during cleanup to limit exposure to mold and mold spores include using:
A N-95 respirator (normally available at most hardware stores, they are in short supply now; it’s best to postpone mold cleanup until one can be obtained)
Gloves
Goggles
But if you’re an individual with health concerns, the EPA recommends consulting a health professional before starting cleanup. Additionally, if the problem exists in an area that is greater than 10 square feet, or in cases when mold is suspected but not visible, it’s also best to bring in a professional.
Use These Tips for Working with a Professional.
Although mold remediation can be an expensive endeavor, proper steps to eliminate unwanted mold and moisture can, in some instances, vastly improve your health by reducing your exposure to harmful and inflammatory mycotoxins. When working with a professional for mold cleanup or remediation, keep the following in mind:
Consider using an inspector that does not perform remediation to prevent a possible conflict of interest.
Review your state guidelines; some states may have specific regulations regarding licensing and remediation.
To locate a mold-certified investigator, consultant, or contractor for assessment or remediation, visit the American Council for Accredited Certification. Residents of the United States can search for certificants by zip code.
Another useful website is that of the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness (ISEAI). This site provides a list of ISEAI indoor environmental professionals (IEPs) who perform onsite assessments of residential and commercial properties, oversee remediation efforts, and provide advice about maintaining a healthy home or work environment. If desired, they can work closely with ISEAI medical professionals (who are also listed on the site) to help connect the dots between environmental exposures and health issues.
If you’re a tenant and you find yourself in a moldy environment, the situation may be more complicated to deal with — but it’s not impossible. The following is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
1. Educate Yourself.
Learning about your landlord’s responsibilities regarding mold may be helpful in navigating toward a solution, so be prepared to do a little research. To date, there are no federal laws that set acceptable exposure limits or building tolerance standards for mold in residential buildings. Only a few states (California, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas) and a few cities (New York City and San Francisco) have taken steps to address safe mold levels.
If you would like to learn more about the mold rules and regulations in your area, the following sources of information can be useful to you:
Check with your state department’s environmental protection agency (for example: State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) or your state department of public health.
Contact your city manager, mayor’s office, or the local health department to determine if there are any local mold-related rules (such as health and safety codes) that might apply to your situation.
Your local tenant’s council or housing authority may also be able to provide useful advice or advocate on your behalf.
Even if there are no laws applicable to mold in your city or state, the landlord may still be liable for a mold problem in your rental property due to an implied warranty of habitability. Simply put, this means that the landlord has the responsibility to provide a safe and livable rental home. This includes certain necessary features and the absence of significant dangers, one of which may be mold.
However, some landlords may be less than enthusiastic about making repairs where mold is concerned. Landlord/tenant laws vary by state, and the terms of the warranty can sometimes be controversial.
So, before you take any action such as withholding rent, deducting the cost of repairs from your rent, or breaking the lease, be sure to consult with a lawyer, a local tenant’s council, or the housing authority to avoid legal and financial consequences resulting from failure to comply with the law.
2. Create A Paper Trail.
Start by sending a dated and signed letter to notify your landlord of the problem. Make a request for remediation, but be advised that some landlords may be reluctant to pay for it. If you need to pursue legal options, it may be important to create a paper trail by doing the following:
Communicate with the landlord or property manager in writing, when possible.
Sign and date all correspondence, and keep copies for your records.
Keep a log of any verbal communications, including the date, time, and the name of the person with whom you spoke.
Be sure to document the presence of mold in your dwelling and on your possessions as best you can.
Take pictures of any visible mold, and keep copies of the results of any inspection and testing.
Documenting that you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or that you have the HLA-DR gene might also be helpful by showing that you are more likely to be susceptible to mold-related illness. Your landlord may be more inclined to make the necessary changes or let you out of your lease without charging you a fee.
If you have health issues you believe are related to mold exposure, keep a file of relevant medical records and bills. If you have a significant health impairment caused by mold, you might want to seek the advice of an attorney to see what legal course of action is available to you.
Additionally, contact your renter’s insurance agent if your possessions have been damaged by mold. Depending on your coverage, your policy may cover the loss.
3. Act Responsibly.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand that tenants have a responsibility to prevent mold in a rental property, too. The landlord is not liable when the tenant’s negligence is the sole cause of water damage or mold growth.
Simple steps, such as running the bathroom fan when showering and using the exhaust fan when cooking, can reduce humidity in the home. Using ceiling fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers will also help. Consider purchasing a humidity meter (they generally cost $10-$50) to monitor relative humidity, which should ideally be kept between 30% and 50%.
To have the best chance of preventing mold growth if water damage arises, resolve all water problems and dry areas and items affected by water intrusion within 24-48 hours. Notify your landlord of water-related issues immediately.
Above all, be vigilant with respect to preventing, identifying, and remediating mold issues. Your health may depend on it.
REFERENCES
1. A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. United States Environmental Protection Agency website. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf
2. Arumala JO. Mold and the construction industry. International Journal of Construction Education and Research. 2006; 2(2): 75-89. doi: 10.1080/15578770600775868
3. Implied Warranty of Habitability. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute website. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/implied_warranty_of_habitability
4. Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows. United States Environmental Protection Agency website. https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-2
5. Nathan N. Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness. Las Vegas, NV: Victory Belt Publishing Inc; 2018.
6. Strasheim C. New Paradigms in Lyme Disease Treatment: 10 Top Doctors Reveal Healing Strategies That Work. South Lake Tahoe, CA: Biomed Publishing Group; 2016.
7. Tuuminen T, Rinne KS. Severe Sequelae to Mold-Related Illness as Demonstrated in Two Finnish Cohorts. Frontiers in Immunology. 2017 Apr 3; 8: 382. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00382
Madison Area Lyme Support Group 
