Social Security Disability Awarded for Mold Toxicity

Lourdes Salvador's Column

...Co-founder of MCS America discusses the latest Multiple Chemical Sensitivity issues.

Lourdes Salvador volunteers as a writer and social advocate for the recognition of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). She was a passionate advocate for the homeless and worked with her local governor to provide services to the homeless through a new approach she created to end homelessness. That passion soon turned to advocacy and activism for people with MCS and the medical professionals who serve them. She co-founded MCS Awareness in 2005 and went on to found MCS America in 2006. She serves as a partner for Environmental Education Week, a partner for the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE), and a supporter for the American Cancer Society: Campaign for Smokefree Air.

For more information visit MCS America

Monday, November 9th, 2009:

Social Security Disability Awarded for Mold Toxicity

by Lourdes Salvador

In a landmark case, a Social Security judge granted benefits for Kristina Townsend for a mold exposure which resulted in her disability in 2007.

Townsend suffered both physical and cognitive impairments as a result of toxic mold exposure and is no longer able to work in any substantial gainful activity. She was awarded benefits dating back to 2007.

Townsend’s physician testified that she was colonized with mold from a contaminated residence her employer provided while she was away from home on a temporary work assignment. A mycotoxin report confirmed elevated levels of trichothecene in the residence.

Toxic mold exposure resulted in mycotoxiciosis, or toxic mold poisoning. Townsend now suffers form chemical sensitivity, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other related injuries.

Townsend was cleared of any primary mental health disorders in an assessment. Her symptoms have improved slightly and she is scheduled for a disability review next year.

For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

Copyrighted 2009 Lourdes Salvador & MCS America

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