Nisus, Oldham to Hold Mold Prevention Training Program Tomorrow

[Guest guest]

Nisus, Oldham to Hold Mold Prevention Training Program Tomorrow

9/21/2005

http://www.pctonline.com/news/news.asp?ID=3741

JACKSON, Miss. — More than 50 companies from Louisiana, Mississippi,

Alabama and Texas are gathering in , Miss., tomorrow to

participate in a training workshop organized by Nisus Corporation

and Oldham Chemical on the proper procedures for making flood

damaged homes habitable. Pest control companies play a vital part in

preserving structures after flood damage.

The training workshop will take place at:

The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum

1150 Lakeland Dr.

, MS

Registration is from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, and the training runs from

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lunch provided. There is no cost for

participating licensed pest control operators and state regulators.

" There are multiple dangers that exist in many of these homes, "

says Dr. Jeff Lloyd, vice president of Research and Development at

Nisus Corporation, Rockford, Tenn. " We are not just dealing with

water. These are floodwaters that carry contaminated materials such

as sewage. There are a number of potential health risks. "

Lloyd suggests that careful steps be taken to deal with flood-

damaged structures successfully. " The first step is to be aware of

the available information on this topic from sources such as FEMA,

the CDC, the EPA and the American Red Cross, " Lloyd explains. " The

second step is to eliminate the moisture by removing water and all

damaged materials according to the guidelines. The third step is to

disinfect the structure using an EPA registered disinfectant and

sanitizer (bactericide and virucide). Finally, treat all remaining

wood and structural components with an EPA registered preservative

(termiticide, fungicide and insecticide). After that, appropriate

repairs can take place. "

Structural Protection of Water Damaged/Flooded Homes, a Guide for

Pest Control Professionals and State Pesticide Regulators

At the request of pest control companies and associations, Nisus

Corporation developed and organized tomorrow's training workshop

along with creating and assembling the many supporting materials for

the session. The educational materials include a summary 10 & #8209;step

checklist to help pest control professionals deal with the emergency

situation.

1. See the following Government Guidelines and Recommendations:

FEMA `What Should I do After a Flood'. CDC `Flood Safety Fact

Sheet'. EPA Fact Sheet `Flood Clean Up'. American Red Cross and

FEMA `Repairing Your Flooded Home'. Check your specific state mold

work and remediation requirements.

2. If home has not been flooded: check moisture content of

structural wood in all walls behind sheetrock and in sub floors and

roofs. If above 25% moisture content, go to #3 and follow for flood

recommendations for affected areas. If below 25% moisture content,

remove/clean and repair all visibly damaged or molded materials.

Immediately dry home to structural wood moisture content of less

than 20% using dehumidification or dry heat and ventilation.

Consider the installation of an appropriate termiticide for the long-

term structural integrity of the home.

3. If home has been flooded: Remove all waters and non-structural

debris from all flooded areas to a height of three feet above flood

zone to include carpet, furniture, curtains, garbage, mud, silt and

sewage. Pressure wash and pump out if necessary.

4. Remove all sheet rock and insulation to a height of three feet

above the flooded area or to a height of three feet above a 25%

moisture content reading, whichever is highest.

5. Clean and/or remove all visible debris and mold on all structural

wood.

6. If there is evidence of visible sewage contamination or if

contamination is shown by laboratory pathogen testing (e.g., E.

coli, S. faecalis, or C. welchi testing), thoroughly clean and

disinfect with an appropriate EPA registered disinfectant, sanitizer

and virucide.

7. Obvious signs of fungal decay or termite damage that impact the

structural integrity of the building must be repaired.

8. Treat all structural components with an appropriate EPA

registered and labeled wood preservative (decay fungicide and

structural wood insecticide that will prevent wood rot, termites and

wood destroying beetles) and then immediately dry to less than 20%

wood moisture content within 48 hours using dehumidification or dry

heat and ventilation. If immediate drying is not physically

possible or if future high humidity or wetting is expected, the

addition of an appropriate EPA registered and labeled

moldicide/mildewcide should be added to the wood preservative

application.

9. When the home is structurally repaired and in a dried in state

(sound weatherproof roof and exterior walls) and the wood moisture

content remains below 20%, replacement of the insulation and

sheetrock may be carried out, and the homeowners may return.

10. Consideration to a professional annual or biannual inspection

should be given to maintain the structural integrity of the

building.

Note: Only properly EPA registered pesticides (disinfectants, wood

preservatives and moldicides/mildewcides) can be used, and only

properly licensed, trained and insured pest control professionals

can be used for any such pesticide application in homes.

For appropriate specific products and application instructions,

please contact the Nisus Corporation.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005