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FEMA warns of post-flood mold problems

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FEMA warns of post-flood mold problems

June 10, 2010

http://www.theinteriorjournal.com/stories/2010/06/10/loc.193774.sto

In a recent letter to Kentucky newspaper editors, FEMA Federal Coordinating

Officer Doug Mayne rhetorically asked, " If you knew that an organism in your

house could cause serious health problems wouldn't you want to know about it? "

For those in the county who were affected by the recent flood, the answer should

be a resounding, " Yes! "

FEMA forwarded important information from the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) explaining that mold caused by contaminated materials, moisture and

humidity can present serious long-term health risks in the home. When airborne

mold spores are present in large numbers they can cause allergic reactions,

asthma episodes, infections and other respiratory problems. Those most

susceptible to adverse health effects from molds are infants, children, the

elderly, those who are immune compromised (people with HIV infection, liver

disease, in chemotherapy, etc), pregnant women and individuals with existing

respiratory conditions such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity and

asthma.

If your house has molds growing in it as a result of the flood or other water in

the home and you or a loved one begins to suffer respiratory problems (like

wheezing and asthma attacks), burning or watery eyes, nose or throat

irritations, skin irritations like rashes or hives, and nervous system disorders

like headaches, memory loss and mood changes, you should see a physician

immediately and inform your doctor that you have been exposed to mold in the

home.

Molds are fungi, simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a

moist environment. Mildew is a fungus that grows on plants, but the name is

commonly used to refer to the discoloration on walls and bathroom surfaces

caused by mold. Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them,

leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It

is the ability to destroy organic materials, however, that makes mold a problem

for people – in our homes and in our bodies.

Molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets,

drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic

materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within

24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores – tiny, lightweight " seeds " that travel

through the air.

Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on,

and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. Even worse, molds continue

to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture and

effectively deal with the problem.

The most devastating impact of floods is how much needs to be thrown away when

the waters recede. Any porous material like carpets, carpet padding, sheetrock,

ceiling tiles, non-rigid insulation, soft furniture and bedding that have mold

growing on it must be disposed of. FEMA suggest that " When in doubt, throw it

out. " Everything else needs to be scrubbed. (See sidebar for more detailed

information.)

FEMA recommends that you wear protective gloves and a filter mask during all

demolition and cleaning procedures to avoid contact with molds because they

release mold spores when disturbed. After the demolition and cleaning it is

important to ensure the flooded area is truly dry; FEMA recommends that things

like interior walls and floors be left exposed to the air for two to three days

before they are recovered. During this time moisture in the air can be reduced

with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot

weather, however do not use fans if mold already exist; a fan will spread the

mold spores.

More information is available at FEMA's Disaster Relief Center in Kings Mountain

at the South Lincoln County Memorial Community Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

daily, or online at www.fema.gov.

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