Mold Can Be An Invisible Danger After A Flood

[Guest guest]

2007-07-07.

Mold Can Be An Invisible Danger After A Flood

http://presszoom.com/story_135636.html

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns residents of flood-damaged homes that

mold can create potential health problems. Water-damaged homes provide a moist

environment for mold to flourish. It is often visible as a fuzzy growth or a

discoloration of surfaces. It may be accompanied by a musty, earthy odor or a

foul stench. Residents are advised to use care when cleaning up the mold.

(PressZoom) - SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland

Security & #146;s Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) warns residents of

flood-damaged homes that mold can create potential health problems.

Water-damaged homes provide a moist environment for mold to flourish. It

is often visible as a fuzzy growth or a discoloration of surfaces. It may be

accompanied by a musty, earthy odor or a foul stench. Residents are advised to

use care when cleaning up the mold.

" Mold is a significant problem after flooding and proper cleanup is

critical to ensure it doesn't affect you or your family's health, " said Federal

Coordinating Officer Dombrowski.

If there is more than 10 square feet of mold in a building, consider using

a professional mold clean-up contractor. In cleaning a home or other structure,

begin by removing all standing water and drying out the building as soon as

possible.

Fans at open windows or doors can be used to help with the drying out

process, but they should blow outward, rather than inward, to avoid spreading

the mold. Do not use an air conditioning system until it has been checked by a

professional. If the system has mold inside using it will spread the mold

throughout the house.

Throw away all moldy items that cannot be cleaned. Remember, & #147;When in

doubt, throw it out! & #148; This includes carpets, mattresses, upholstered

furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products. Take

out drywall and insulation that & #146;s been dampened by floodwater.

Make sure to wear a filtered face mask, rubber gloves, goggles, rubber

boots or other protective footwear, and clothing that fully cover arms and legs.

Clean all hard surfaces. Scrub mold off of hard surfaces with a stiff

brush and a mixture of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. NEVER MIX

BLEACH WITH AMMONIA or products containing ammonia!

People with respiratory problems should not spend time in houses with

mold. Some people are sensitive to mold. For them, mold can causes nasal

stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some

cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe

reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses,

such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when

they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are

likely to have mold.

For more information on mold or mold clean-up, visit the Centers for

Disease Control ( CDC ) website at http://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for,

preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all

domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

[Guest guest]

WOW - do you think that some official is going to get fired over this or

does this represent some kind of admission at a high level?

I had heard that the Bush admiistration had issued STRICT edicts to all the

Federal agencies to vet ALL announcements or changes in policies that might

have " any economic impact " with special political commissars in each agency

and CLEARLY suddenly admitting that mold can cause health problems is a

MAJOR violation of that policy if it was not approved at the highest level.

THIS IS A BIG AND IMPORTANT CHANGE..

So, lets hope that other agencies make the same admissions gracefully and

that it wasn't a fluke, and if it was, that somebody doesn't get fired over

this!

****THEY WERE ONLY DOING THEIR JOB - FOR A CHANGE****

<http://presszoom.com/story_135636.html>

>

> SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal

> Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns residents of flood-damaged homes

> that mold can create potential health problems. Water-damaged homes provide

> a moist environment for mold to flourish. It is often visible as a fuzzy

> growth or a discoloration of surfaces. It may be accompanied by a musty,

> earthy odor or a foul stench. Residents are advised to use care when

> cleaning up the mold.

>

> (PressZoom) - SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland

> Security & #146;s Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) warns residents

> of flood-damaged homes that mold can create potential health problems.

>

>

>