By
Linda Breazeale MISSISSIPPI
STATE -- Thousands of buildings across the Gulf Coast may
have survived the winds of Katrina only to fall victim to
health-threatening mold spores. "Mold
and mildew are always challenges in Mississippi because they
thrive in warm, humid, and damp or water-damaged
conditions," said Herb Willcutt, safety specialist with the
Mississippi State University Extension Service. "The storm
surge and heavy rains brought in by Katrina are likely to
contribute to an explosion of mold spores in these
areas." Molds
and mildews are forms of fungi found year-round both indoors
and outdoors. Unsightly molds have odors, can cause health
problems and can damage structures. Fungi, including molds,
spread through the air by producing microscopic spores.
These spores establish new colonies wherever they encounter
favorable conditions for their growth. "Residents
with flooded or water-damaged homes need to remove wet
materials as soon as possible. This may include sheet rock,
paneling and insulation if water stood in the damaged rooms
long enough to wet the insulation. The sooner the drying
process begins, the better," Willcutt said. "Wear gloves and
a mask whenever handling moldy materials." Clean
and disinfect hard plastic, glass and metals by applying a
solution of 1 cup of chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water
or follow manufacturer's recommendations. Thoroughly wet the
surface with the solution for 10 to 15 minutes to kill the
mold. Allow the solution to dry naturally in six to eight
hours. Throw
out or completely decontaminate moldy porous materials. Use
non-ammonia soaps or detergents to remove mold, but never
mix bleach and ammonia. With
buildings on conventional foundations, make sure there is
plenty of ventilation in the crawl space. Keep indoor
humidity low by using fans, air conditioners or
dehumidifiers if electricity is available. If not, open
windows to increase air circulation as much as
possible. Willcutt
warned that it is a mistake to rebuild or repair before wood
is sufficiently dry. "Wood
should have a moisture content of less than 15 percent
before drywall, paneling or other coverings are placed on
the wood. Do not seal up walls until the wood moisture
content is at least down to 15 percent. This can be
determined with a moisture meter," Willcutt said. "These
meters can reveal if there is excess moisture in the crawl
space, attic or framing wall." Beverly
Howell, state program leader for Extension family and
consumer sciences, said moisture meters are on their way to
county Extension offices in the hurricane-damaged counties
in Mississippi. "Our
goal is to have them ready when Mississippians are ready to
repair and rebuild homes that were flooded by Hurricane
Katrina," Howell said. "We know everyone is eager to repair
damage, but rebuilding too quickly after a flood can result
in more problems down the road. Accurate use of these meters
is the best way to avoid mold growth, insect infestations,
and deterioration of the wood and wall
coverings." Jane
Clary, Extension health specialist, said some molds produce
toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can cause problems
when inhaled. "Most
people have no reaction to molds, but some experience
irritations and allergic reactions similar to that caused by
pollen or animals," Clary said. "Molds can aggravate asthma,
and in rare cases, cause more serious health
problems." Among
those more susceptible to mold problems are the elderly,
infants and children, pregnant women, and those with
respiratory conditions or weakened immune
systems. Be
cautious when using bleach indoors. Read the label and
provide adequate ventilation. -30- Released:
Sept. 8, 2005
Family,
Youth & Consumer News
Flooded
buildings may harbor mold
Contact: Herb Willcutt, (662) 325-7345
Visit: DAFVM
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Last Modified: Friday, 19-Dec-08 10:29:10
URL: http://msucares.com/news/print/fcenews/fce05/050908mold.html
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