When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors in high humidity, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture remains undiscovered or un-addressed. Molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. Microorganisms like molds, viruses and bacteria can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

The key to mold control is moisture control. Remove standing water and dry out moist and water-damaged areas as quickly as possible prevent continuing mold growth. Open all windows and place fans to blow outward to dry the house without spreading mold.

When cleaning up the mold:

• ALWAYS wear a respirator mask approved by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as well as rubber gloves and protective eye wear.

• Use common household cleaning products and water to thoroughly wash and remove mold from hard surfaces (walls, floors, closets, shelves, and contents of the house). Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete. You can use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) in a hand pump/backpack sprayer.
  If you choose to use bleach to remove mold: Never mix bleach with ammonia. Mixing bleach and ammonia can produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Be aware: Disinfectants and sanitizers contain toxic substances. Read and follow label instructions carefully, and provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. If it is safe for you to use electricity and the home is dry, use fans both during and after the use of cleaning products.

• Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants together. Check labels for cautions on this. Mixing certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in injury and even death.

• After cleaning, dry all surfaces completely.
  Be patient. Drying can take several weeks, and growth of mold can continue as long as humidity is high. If the house is not fully dry, a musty odor (and mold growth) can remain.
• Throw out absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles, carpet, and mattresses and pillows) from the home. Store items outside if insurance claims need to be made

• Some items may be cleaned in hot soapy water and dried while others may have to be replaced.

• Fiberboard, fibrous insulation, and disposable filters should be replaced.

• FEMA also suggests the use of disinfectants and sanitizers on the duct work for the heating and air conditioning system, if it has been flooded.

Health Effects of Mold Exposure:
Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Be sure to wear a mask when in a moldy environment.

People at Greatest Risk from Mold:

• People with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions
• People with immune suppression for example, people with HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy, people with organ transplants

Symptoms of mold reactions and allergies:
Commonly, inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause:

• Hay fever type-symptoms
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Irritated eyes
• Skin Irritation
• Throat and lung irritation
• If you are allergic to mold you may also experience:
• Difficulty in breathing
• Shortness of breath

If you have asthma molds can trigger attacks

• Be sure to carry and use your inhaler as directed

If you have a weak immune system or you have a chronic lung disease you may experience:

• Mold infections in the lungs
• Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold

For information on mold cleanup, visit www.epa.gov/mold or call 1-800-438-4318.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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