KDHE reminds property owners of mold's dangers

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KDHE reminds property owners of mold's dangers

Hutchinson News - Hutchinson,KS

By the News Staff

http://www.hutchnews.com/news/local/stories/mold060107.shtml

After recent rains drenched Reno County, the Kansas Department of

Health and Environment wants to make sure the area isn't flooded

with a potentially harmful substance: mold.

According to the KDHE, exposure to mold can lead to allergic

reactions, asthma and other health problems. It can also damage wood

and parts of buildings if left untreated. After a flood, damaged

structures should be dried immediately to prevent growth of mold

spores.

The KDHE offers these tips when cleaning up:

•Wipe off any visible mold

•Clean floors and other hard surfaces with a mild, soapy solution

•Wash clothing and other fabric items with laundry soap and

thoroughly dry them

•Simply spraying with bleach or painting over the mold only masks

the problem and doesn't stop growth

•The longer ceiling tiles, wallboard, carpet or furniture remain

wet, the greater the mold growth. Eventually, the growth cannot be

removed, and the items must be discarded.

l If mold growth is over a large area, or if it has grown into

surfaces such as walls or floors, you might need to contact a

professional who specializes in mold removal.

For more information, contact Joyce Barrett at (785) 368-6683 or

Weir at (785) 291-3272. More information is available at the

Environmental Protection Agency Web site. Visit www.epa.gov and

click the mold link at the top of the page under the Quick Finder

label.