Expert Says Post-Hurricane Mold Could Be Toxic

[Guest guest]

29th December

Expert Says Post-Hurricane Mold Could Be Toxic

Daphne McIntosh

http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=45 & a=6724

Mold growth, commonly seen following serious flooding, could pose a

potential health risk, a local health expert has warned.

In the aftermath of devastating hurricanes, like those experienced

in Grand Bahama in 2004 and 2005, " there are a lot of things the

public needs to be aware of, " said Manager of Environmental Projects

Dr. Barry Iseard.

" There is definitely a lack of information out to the people…things

that people are faced with and they are often not equipped to deal

with these issues, and they don't know where to turn, " Dr. Iseard

told The Bahama Journal.

One of those situations has to do with the environmental risk

associated with flooding, he indicated.

Flooding has been an unwanted characteristic of the last three major

storms that ravaged Grand Bahama with hurricanes Frances and Wilma

proving especially destructive due to storm surges.

Many homeowners reported having up to five feet of water in their

houses and were challenged with restoring their accommodations.

This is said to be a matter of concern in the region, considering

the unprecedented hurricane season of 2005, and another busy season

predicted next year.

Experts have predicted that there will be 17 named storms in 2006

with nine becoming hurricanes - five of which are expected to become

major hurricanes with winds over 111 miles per hour.

Dr. Iseard believes that such predictions underscore the need to

address environmental issues associated with storms.

" Water damage left unattended in certain circumstances can result in

mildew and mold, " he said. " There are [health] risks associated with

mold. "

Dr. Iseard explained that mold is present naturally in the

environment. They are natural fungi and living organisms, which have

always been here. However, he said, it is when the mold accumulates

and goes to extreme levels that it becomes dangerous. "

" Mold can cause serious respiratory problems, and if the person is

already ill, it can have a very damaging affect on them, " he said.

There are certain types of mold that are chemical poisons as well,

said Dr. Iseard, explaining that high levels of one or two types can

in fact cause some kind of poisoning.

" That would be a serious concern, " he said, noting that mold can

trigger allergies and further damage compromised immune systems.

" Very young people and old people can become ill when exposed to

those high levels of mold…that can build up in certain

circumstances. "

Allergic reactions or hay fever are the most common symptoms of

these types of infections, according to health officials.

Other symptoms may include respiratory related reactions such as

wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. Mold can

also cause nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation, dry hacking

cough, nose or throat irritation and skin rashes.

But knowing the health risks associated with mold though essential

isn't sufficient, Dr. Iseard said.

Knowing the right way of eliminating accumulated mold and mildew

from homes that have been contaminated is equally as important, he

pointed out.

" One of the things homeowners need to be concerned with is what to

do when [their] houses have been flooded, " said Dr. Iseard. " Some

people do the right thing and some people do the wrong thing. "

The wrong thing to do would be to close up the home and leave it in

darkness, he said.

" Mold likes darkness; it likes dampness; it likes the air to be

still, " Dr. Iseard said.

Dr. Iseard suggested opening windows to allow air to pass through.

Even if there is initially a certain amount of mold, allowing

sunlight to filter through and air to circulate could rid the home

of mold, he said.

However he cautioned homeowners to beware of mold they cannot see.

This is especially true for homeowners who had flood damage during

Hurricane Frances and were not aware of possible contamination in

hidden areas, he added.

" It may be still present in some wall cavities where they haven't

had the chance to go into those cavities. If due to a roof leak

water comes down into the wall cavities, those wall cavities must be

checked, " Dr. Iseard said.

He especially warned homeowners of walls made of sheetrock.

" It is particularly serious if you have roof leaks, " Dr. Iseard

said.

[Guest guest]

I wonder what the spin-control firms will do when there are literally

millions of 'us' running around with mold - related illness two or

three years from now due to these new big storms.

I have a feeling that there will be a big backlash..

Does anyone know the names of the PR firms that are doing the disinfo campaign?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/30/2005 8:38:01 PM Pacific Standard Time,

quackadillian@... writes:

Does anyone know the names of the PR firms that are doing the disinfo

campaign?

I know a couple of the think tanks involved:

The Atlantic Legal Foundation,

The Manhattan Institute, and the

US Chamber of Commerce- Center For Legal Policy - headed by Stan ,

whose ex-wife is a mold victim from DC. As I understand it, mold played a key

part in their rather nasty divorce.

Sick stuff, huh?

Sharon

Sharon