Mold
can damage homes and health Clean up tips to aid
recovery after flood
 Floods
following Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc in communities served by
HFM BOCES, and now residents are dealing with another unpleasant
aftereffect: mold.
Mold and mildew can start to grow within 24 hours of a flood and
can cause serious, long-term health problems. People who are
sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes,
wheezing or skin irritation, while those who are allergic may
have difficulty breathing and shortness or breath. If you or
family members have health problems after exposure to mold,
contact your doctor or other health care provider.
Mold can also do damage throughout a home, from attics and
basements to crawl spaces. The best defense is to discard
contaminated items and thoroughly clean, disinfect and dry
affected areas.
Other tips:
Wear gloves and a filter mask during cleanup. The
Environmental Protection Agency recommends using N-95
respirators, available at hardware and home improvement stores
Be sure area is well-ventilated.
Eliminate the source of moisture so mold cannot grow.
Discard porous materials that have mold growth, such as floor
coverings, drywall and ceiling tiles. Porous materials
anything that absorbs water can trap mold forever. Moldy
paper, rags, wallboard, carpeting, bedding, toys or upholstered
furniture as well as rotten wood should be discarded.
Thoroughly clean non-porous materials such as glass,
ceramic, metal and plastic with a solution of household bleach,
soap or detergent and water. Use no more than 1 cup of bleach
per gallon of water. Warning: Never mix chlorine liquids
(bleach) with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach
with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous,
toxic fumes.
Remove damaged wallboard and insulation at least 2 feet
about the water line.
Change heating and air conditioning filters. Have
ductwork inspected by a professional.
Monitor the area for new mold growth and signs of
moisture.
For large scale problems or if you are allergic to mold,
have a professional do the work.
For more tips on mold or mold cleanup, visit the state
Department of Health
website or the Center for Disease Controls
website |
