Be on the lookout for mold damage in homes

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Be on the lookout for mold damage in homes

High Plains Journal - Dodge City,KS

http://www.hpj.com/archives/2007/jun07/jun4/Beonthelookoutformolddama

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20homes

Nebraska

Recent heavy rains and flooding across most of the state left many

Nebraskans with water-damaged homes and basements. Now it is

important to be on the lookout for mold growth, a University of

Nebraska-Lincoln housing and environment specialist said.

Mold spores are everywhere, but what determines where they actually

settle and start growing is the presence of moisture and organic

food sources, such as wood and paper, said Shirley Niemeyer, housing

and environment specialist in the university's Institute of

Agriculture and Natural Resources.

" The recent storms damaged many homes which now may have ideal

conditions for mold growth, " Niemeyer said.

Porous materials, such as carpets and pads, insulation, ceiling tile

and wall board that are not quickly dried within 24 to 48 hours may

need to be tossed, she said.

Wet wall, ceiling and floor cavities should be opened up to dry

completely. Concrete also needs to be dried. Niemeyer recommends

first removing as much moisture as possible. Wet floors need to be

wet vacuumed and dried out as soon as possible or hire a

professional for extensive water entry.

Air conditioning and dehumidification can help dry the surfaces and

materials. Additional air circulation also helps, she said.

It may take weeks before some materials are dried out and can be

replaced, Niemeyer said. Covering up damp structures and cavities

too soon can lead to mold growth. Moisture meters, which are

available through some plumbing, heating and cooling businesses, can

help determine the moisture content of wood and other materials.

" It's better to be cautious now and take extra prevention steps than

to deal with a mold problem later on, " Niemeyer said.

Molds long have been recognized as allergens, Niemeyer said. Mold

allergens can cause symptoms including respiratory congestion, eye

irritation, headaches and fatigue in those sensitive to mold. Some

molds can even trigger asthma attacks.

" If you see a mold problem, find the source of the moisture, make

the needed changes to reduce or control the moisture source, and

safely get rid of the mold, " Niemeyer said. " Any mold should be

treated with respect and cleanup handled very carefully, whatever

the type is. "

Professionals can be hired to clean up mold and are recommended if

there are large amounts--more than a 10-foot square area--and if

someone in the household is sensitive to mold.

" The decision to clean up mold or to hire it done is up to the

individual, " Niemeyer said. " Anyone who attempts to clean up mold by

him or herself should obtain complete detailed information before

tackling the cleanup. "

For more information about cleaning up molds consult a local UNL

Extension office. More detailed resources are available from the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by calling 800-490-9189 or

searching its publication catalog at

www.epa.gov/epahome/publications.htm.

Those cleaning up mold should protect themselves by wearing goggles

without vent holes, gloves, clothing that covers the entire body and

at a minimum, an N-95 HEPA filter to filter out particles. Such

filter masks are available at many hardware and home supply stores

and lumberyards.

" Molds can give off toxins and special filters are needed for

toxins, " Niemeyer said.

Niemeyer recommends physically removing as much mold as possible.

Wet floors need to be wet vacuumed, dried out and vacuumed again.

" Use a quality vacuum with a HEPA filter, empty the contents outside

and clean the vacuum cleaner when done, " she said.

Contaminated porous materials are not easily cleaned and should be

removed and disposed. Disinfecting contaminated materials may kill

mold on the surface, but some of it may survive and start to grow

again-- especially if conditions are right for growth. Keep humidity

levels between 35 to 50 percent, Niemeyer said.

To prevent spreading mold spores, contain the mold infested area

with plastic sheeting from floor to ceiling. Spreading mold spores

throughout the house can be reduced by carefully encapsulating moldy

materials being removed. Items should be carefully wrapped in large

plastic bags or tarps and sealed with duct tape.

" This will protect people from mold and be sure the mold is not

spread through the house during the removal process, " Niemeyer said.

Mold on surfaces, such as wallboard, that will be cut or pulled away

can be held more stable by applying sheets of contact adhesive paper

to avoid spreading the spores. Larger plastic sheets can also be

taped to surfaces, such as wallboard, before it is removed.

Mold contaminated materials should be removed through the nearest

window or door to avoid spreading the spores, she said.

Hard or non-porous surfaces can be cleaned with a solution of

household detergent and water, then rinsed with plain water and

dried, Niemeyer said.

" A disinfectant may not be needed if the wet areas are from clean

water, " she said. " However, if people chose to use a disinfectant

such as chlorine bleach, they should follow the label directions.

Wear protective gloves and goggles and ventilate the area. "

In addition, allow the disinfectant to contact the area for about 5

to 15 minutes. Don't follow with a water rinse as this may reduce

the disinfectant's effectiveness.

Running a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner can help reduce

moisture problems, Niemeyer said.

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