Prompt Flood Cleanup Can Help Prevent Health Problems
Release Date: July 16, 2003
Release Number: 1475-04
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Frankfort, KY -- Floodwaters can leave behind more than soggy carpets and furniture.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services Department of Public Health warns certain types of mold that grow in a very damp environment can be hazardous and can trigger a variety of illnesses. Clean it up quickly to avoid possible illness.
When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers, they can trigger allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and other respiratory problems. In addition, exposure can cause development of an allergy to mold, resulting in long-term problems.
"People with asthma or pulmonary problems and those who are allergic to mold are especially vulnerable to mold related illness," said Guy F. Delius, assistant director of the Cabinet's division of Public Health Protection and Safety. "It's important to clean and disinfect the contaminated area and remove the source of moisture, or mold growth will recur."
If you can see or smell mold, a mold problem likely exists. (Mold has a musty or earthy odor.) The first step in the clean-up process is to identify the source of the moisture and try to stop it. Then clean, disinfect and dry the moldy area.
- Use a non-ammonia soap or detergent and hot water or a commercial cleaner.
- Thoroughly scrub all contaminated surfaces with the soap or detergent (use a stiff brush to clean masonry walls). It is best to use a liberal amount of cleaning solution.
- Rinse all objects with clean water.
Moist, fibrous materials and stagnant water provide the ideal climate for mold growth. Molds can infiltrate drywall, carpeting and insulation. These materials generally should be discarded if they become saturated.
After cleaning, apply a disinfectant solution of household bleach to the surface (one to two cups bleach per gallon of water). The bleach solution can be applied with a garden sprayer or wiped on with a sponge or rag.
Be sure to wet the studs, wall cavities, and floors thoroughly. Use a wet-dry vacuum to collect extra bleach solution. Allow the bleach solution to dry naturally for a six- to eight-hour time period.
- The bleach solution should not be removed or dried quickly because extended contact time is important.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia because the fumes are toxic.
- Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when working with bleach.
- Ventilate the area well by opening doors and windows.
When working around moldy areas, use respiratory protection. People vary in their susceptibility, but almost anyone who breathes enough mold spores could have an adverse reaction. Such reactions may include tightening in the chest, flu-like symptoms or even more severe reactions. When cleaning, wash your hands with disinfecting soap.
For more information, contact your local health department or the Kentucky Department of Public Health at (502) 564-7398.
Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Aug-2005 09:23:53