Even after dangerous flood waters recede, there are still many health and safety risks we need to consider! One of those potential health risks, mold! Damp conditions caused by flooding are ideal for mold growth! Mold growth can happen quickly, sometimes as soon as two days after a flood occurs.
While we encounter mold on a daily basis, it is present in larger amounts after flooding and these larger amounts can cause allergic reactions, asthmatic reactions, infections and many other respiratory issues. Infants, children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, allergies, respiratory illnesses and pregnant women are especially at risk.
The way to combat mold is to clean and removing the cause. The PA Department of Health offers these tips.
1. Identify and correct the moisture source. Then clean, disinfect, and dry the moldy area. Keep the area well ventilated and dispose of anything that has moldy residue, such as rags, paper, leaves or debris.
2. Porous materials can trap molds. Items such as paper, rags, wallboard, ceiling tiles, sheetrock, carpeting and rotten wood should be removed.
3. Wear protective gloves, such as rubber dishwashing gloves and a mask when working with moldy materials.
4. Carpeting can be a difficult problem. Drying does not remove the dead mold spores. If there is heavy mold in the carpet, the best course of action may be to throw it away. If the area was flooded, remove sheetrock to at least 12 inches above high water mark. Allow area to dry for two to three days before replacing damaged materials.
5. Use non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner in hot water. Scrub the entire affected area thoroughly using a stiff brush or cleaning pad, then rinse with clean water.
6. After thoroughly cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. NEVER mix bleach with ammonia- the fumes are toxic! Allow areas you are disinfecting to dry naturally overnight to kill all molds.
For more information on cleaning up after the flood visit www.health.state.pa.us!
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