Mold May Be Present In Flood-Damaged Homes

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Mold May Be Present In Flood-Damaged Homes

eMaxHealth.com - Hickory,NC*

http://www.emaxhealth.com/5/14863.html

If your home was affected in the recent flooding in northeast Ohio

it could be harboring mold.

" When the water recedes, mold may grow in your home and endanger

your health, " said Ohio Department of Health (ODH) director Alvin D.

, M.D. " Proper cleaning and moisture removal will result in a

healthier home, especially for those with respiratory illnesses such

as asthma. "

Care must be taken to clean and completely dry any areas of the home

that have gotten wet from floodwaters to prevent structural damage

and adverse health effects from mold.

Mold and Health Concerns

Mold growth is a common occurrence in flood-damaged homes and damp

environments. Mold could become

a problem in your home if there is enough moisture available to

allow mold to thrive and multiply.

Dampness in basements, walls, carpets and wood provides an

environment for mold to flourish. Mold is made up of simple

microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere. It often

can be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to

orange and from green to brown and black, and gives off a musty or

earthy smell.

Exposure to mold can cause health problems. Infants, children,

immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with

existing respiratory conditions (allergies, multiple chemical

sensitivity and asthma) and the elderly appear to be at higher risks

for adverse health effects from mold.

Health symptoms known to be associated with exposure to mold include

nose and throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks in

individuals who have asthma, and lower respiratory tract infections

(in children).

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions also may be

susceptible to more serious lung infections.

Mold Prevention Tips

There is no practical way to eliminate all of the molds and mold

spores in the indoor environment, but there are many ways to help

control moisture and mold growth in the home. The basic rule is, if

residents can see or smell mold, they should take the steps to

eliminate excess moisture and to clean up and remove the mold.

It is important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources

before health problems develop.

Stop the Water

• Fix leaks in pipes and clean up any damp area around tubs and

sinks, so mold spores don't have a growing environment.

• Rebuild, or retrofit, with water-resistant building materials

such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, galvanized or stainless

steel hardware, indoor/outdoor carpeting, waterproof wallboard,

water-resistant glues, and so on.

• Prevent water seepage from outdoors into the house. It's

important to have rainwater from gutters or the roof drain away from

the house. Ground around the house needs to slope away to keep

basement and crawl space dry.

• Cover dirt in crawl spaces with plastic to prevent moisture

from coming from the ground. Ventilate the area as much as possible.

Keep It Clean

• Clean fabrics, such as curtains and upholstery often, and keep

them dry, because soil promotes mold growth.

• Store clean fabric items in well-ventilated areas.

• Consider having air ducts cleaned professionally if residents

suspect mold exists on the inside surface of the duct or if duct

insulation has been wet.

Keep It Dry

• Reduce the moisture in the air by using dehumidifiers, fans and

opening windows or using air conditioners, especially in hot

weather. Do NOT use fans if mold already may exist; a fan will

spread the mold spores

• Try to keep the humidity in the home below 40 percent.

• In moisture-prone areas, choose carpets of man-made fibers.

• Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by

insulating. Disinfect It

• Routinely check potential problem spots like the basement,

bathroom and laundry for moldy odors.

• Disinfect often with a 10 percent bleach solution – about 1-1/4

cup of bleach to a gallon of water