Mold a concern in flooded buildings

June 17, 2008

Gazette Online - Solon,IA*

By Hadish

cindy.hadish@...

AID=/20080616/NEWS/156064528/1006/news

Home and business owners have valid concerns about timely re-entry

into their flooded buildings.

Once waters recede, mold can develop within three days, said Tom

Hart, environmental supervisor at Linn County Public Health.

" Not when the basements are full of water, but after you drain them "

is when mold begins, he said. " If you get it dry within three days,

you should avoid mold. "

The Iowa Department of Public Health does not recommend professional

testing for mold, as it is expensive and Iowa has no training or

certification for mold inspectors.

" Very simply, if you see mold in your home, you have mold, " the

department notes. " If you don't see mold in your home, you probably

don't have mold. "

Mold can cause trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions, such

as sneezing, rashes and coughing. Newborns can develop a serious

condition that causes bleeding of the lungs. About 50 percent of the

population is allergic to mold.

Hart said homes with finished basements, or cement or cinder block

foundations are of particular concern as mold reservoirs.

Carpet touched by floodwater, which contains bacteria, and cardboard

and other wet items should be thrown away, he said. Drywall can be

cut 8 inches from the bottom and fans blown in to dry walls.

Hart advised anyone working in flooded buildings wear a full face

respirator and have adequate ventilation.

Surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water before using a mild

bleach solution. Ammonia and bleach should not be mixed.

Hart added that the greatest risk after flooding is not from mold,

but from carbon monoxide poisoning when generators are used in

enclosed areas.

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