Re: Mold is a Danger to Oregon Families and Buildings

December 28, 2007

In a message dated 12/28/2007 11:26:40 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

myhaze@... writes:

Anyone notice that the FEMA guy says that mold can cause 'adverse effects to

the nervous system'? Wow - that's a step beyond the reg'lar line that mold

can only hurt those who have AIDS or cancer or compromised immune systems and

only causes allergies (not trying to diminish allergies by any means, just

indicating that they exclude other health issues).

~Haley

They are STILL referring to the physicians of ACOEM and AOEC as those most

knowledgeable about mold, even though ACOEM was outed on the front page of the

WSJ for promoting industry friendly garbage over the matter. This is quite

interesting that one would refer to both ACOEM and AOEC as AOEC is trying to

run from their involvement in the ACOEM mold statement debacle and they also

claim they have no set policy as to how to address mold induced illnesses. So

why are these the physician organizations that government agencies would

refer to people to?

Sharon

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December 28, 2007

OMG, thats a first!! There was no mention of bleach!! Some body did some

research. Good job!

tigerpaw2c <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote: Mold is a

Danger to Oregon Families and Buildings

Media Newswire (press release) - New York,NY*

Mold usually develops following a flood or mudslide and may cause

serious health problems. Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) and the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agree it is important to

inform the public about health hazards associated with mold, what

can be done to minimize mold, and effective mold clean up methods.

http://media-newswire.com/release_1059240.html

(Media-Newswire.com) - SALEM, Ore. -- Mold is one of the worst

results of flood damage.

Mold usually develops following a flood or mudslide and may cause

serious health problems. Oregon Emergency Management ( OEM ) and the

Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) agree it is important

to inform the public about health hazards associated with mold, what

can be done to minimize mold, and effective mold clean up methods.

If a home has water damage, mold can develop in as little as 24 - 48

hours of water exposure. Even worse, it may continue to grow until

steps are taken to thoroughly dry a structure and eliminate the

source of moisture. According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention ( CDC ) mold may be recognized by the sight of wall and

ceiling discoloration, and a musty, earthy odor.

" Although you may think your property does not have mold, when water

gets into a structure mold can germinate quickly. We urge you not

to delay the clean up process, " said Glen R. Sachtleben, federal

coordinating officer. " It's also important to consult your

physician if you think you have been affected by exposure to mold. "

Even though mold is a naturally existing substance, it can be

harmful to humans. When airborne mold spores are present in large

quantities, inhaling them can cause allergic reactions, asthma

episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems.

Continued exposure to mold may result in nasal or sinus congestion,

eye, nose, or throat irritations, and adverse effects to the nervous

system.

Infants and children, the elderly, those with immune-compromised

related diseases, pregnant women, and those with existing

respiratory conditions are at the greatest risk. Anyone falling into

these categories should consult a physician if they are experiencing

health problems.

Follow these five steps to dry your home and combat health problems

associated with mold:

Open up the house-if the humidity outside is lower than indoors, and

if the weather permits, open all the doors and windows to exchange

the moist indoor air for drier outdoor air. If you have a

thermometer with a humidity gauge, you can monitor the indoor and

outdoor humidity. On the other hand, when temperatures drop at

night, an open home is warmer and will draw moisture indoors. At

night and other times when the humidity is higher outdoors, close up

the house.

Open closet and cabinet doors-remove drawers to allow air

circulation. Drawers may stick because of swelling. Don't try to

force them. Speed up the drying process by opening the back of the

cabinet to let the air circulate. You will probably be able to

remove the drawers as the cabinet dries out.

Use fans-fans help move the air and dry out the home. They will blow

out dirty air that might contain contaminants from sediment in the

duct work; clean or hose out any ducts. Do not use central air

conditioning or the furnace blower if the ducts were under water.

Run dehumidifiers-dehumidifiers and window air conditioners will

reduce the moisture, especially in closed up areas. Make sure

dehumidifiers are drained to the outside of the structure.

Use desiccants-desiccants ( materials that absorb moisture ) such as

silica gel are very useful in drying closets or other enclosed areas

where air cannot move through. These types of materials may be

purchased at hardware stores, boating supply store or home and

garden stores.

If mold becomes an issue in your household, here are some of the

ways to clean it out:

Most household cleaners will be good enough to cleanse walls and

wood furniture.

Be aware that wallpaper paste can harbor mold, and therefore wall

coverings may have to be removed and replaced.

It is possible mold can grow on the back side of sheet rock or wall

board. If this happens the only solution is to remove and replace

the material.

After cleaning a room or item, go over it again with a disinfectant

to kill the germs and odors left by the floodwaters.

Be careful of fumes; wear rubber gloves and a dust mask. Read any

safety instructions in order to properly handle cleaning materials.

Drying your home could take several weeks. While it may seem that

your house is safe from mold, your health may still be at risk

because of the lingering effects of mold. When water damage

infiltrates a structure, the long lasting effects can be detrimental

to the composition of the building. If you believe that your health

has been affected by exposure to mold, you should contact your

physician and have your house checked.

The Oregon Department of Human Services ( DHS ) has a detailed

publication dealing with mold and its removal which is available to

download at: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/mold.shtml, or through the

mail by calling Environmental Toxicology at 971-673-0440 for a copy

of the pamphlet.

If you have further questions concerning mold and your health, you

may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA ( 3362 ) or 800-462-7585

for those with special speech or hearing needs. You can also call

the American Red Cross at 866-GET-INFO or the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.

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.

---------------------------------

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December 28, 2007

Anyone notice that the FEMA guy says that mold can cause 'adverse effects to the

nervous system'? Wow - that's a step beyond the reg'lar line that mold can only

hurt those who have AIDS or cancer or compromised immune systems and only causes

allergies (not trying to diminish allergies by any means, just indicating that

they exclude other health issues).