American Lung Association of the Midland States

[Guest guest]

by American Lung Association of the Midland States

http://readme.readmedia.com/Flooding-Lung-Health-Updates/1246943

NASHVILLE TN (05/04/2010)(readMedia)-- The American Lung Association in

Tennessee is currently " out of the office " because of flooding, but we are still

definitely involved in providing lung health services and information to the

state of Tennessee.

If you have flood-related lung health questions (or any lung health questions),

you can talk to one of our medical professionals by calling the Lung Help Line

at 1-800-LUNG-USA and selecting Option TWO.

Flood clean-up and lung health information is available at www.alatn.org.

Dangerous toxins found in flood waters are a significant health problem for area

residents in the flooded portions of Tennessee.

Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and mold, which can

become airborne and put people at risk for lung disease and other respiratory

problems. Contaminants in the flood waters can pose additional threats that last

long after the waters recede. .

" Contaminants, bacteria, viruses and mold pose risks even after the waters

recede, " said Norman Edelman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung

Association. " Any standing water-even from a fairly clean source like

rainwater-can quickly cause health dangers for all residents. Children, seniors

and people with lung diseases like asthma and COPD are at a higher risk of

developing breathing problems from these contaminants. "

The American Lung Association cautions Tennessee residents that dampness, and

not just standing water, gives rise to mold and mildew.

Floods can bring into your home a toxic mix of contaminants that can include

sewage, pesticides, and chemicals. The most important part of the cleanup

process is removing all the water, including the hidden dampness that can remain

in indoor areas to prevent the growth of mold.

" Mold has been associated with wheezing, coughing and in some cases asthma

attacks, " warns Dr. Edelman. " Some evidence links mold with respiratory illness

in otherwise healthy children. Mold can grow anywhere there is water or

dampness. Cleaning up all the wet materials after the water recedes is vital to

protecting your health. "

Damaged materials and furnishings should be discarded, including any items that

cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours. Simply drying out

water will not remove the contaminants or toxins that can make people sick.

Furniture and other personal belongings covered by water should be discarded to

prevent mold growth.

The American Lung Association cautions individuals with lung disease or those

with high risk of developing lung disease to seek help cleaning their homes and

work places after floods.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that any homeowner with more than

10 square feet of flooded area get professional help. Mold flourishes in this

environment and attempting to clean without professional help may increase the

risk of developing respiratory problems.

The American Lung Association recommends using soap and water instead of bleach

for cleaning efforts. Avoid using air cleaning devices that emit ozone. Ozone

has not been proven to clean indoor air and can harm lung health. Air cleaning

devices can help remove some air pollution, but will not solve the problems.

Cleaning up the water and damaged materials are essential steps to prevent

respiratory illness.

For more information on cleaning up after a flood, contact the American Lung

Association HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA, option two.