Mold Can Be a Problem Long After Floodwaters Recede
Release Date: October 15, 2007
Release Number: 1729-014
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ROCKFORD, Ill. -- It is common for mold problems to appear five to six weeks after a flood, but Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) officials say you can take steps to combat mold growth and its potential to cause serious health problems and structural damage to homes.
Also, FEMA and IEMA officials warn that floodwaters can damage household property in different ways. There usually is no way to clean flood soaked carpets, carpet pads, linoleum, fabric covered furniture, wet insulation and ceiling tiles, so these items should be discarded. For heirloom rugs and furniture, it is best to contact a professional cleaner.
Appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, cooking stoves, dishwashers, hot water heaters, washing machines and dryers that contain insulation should be discarded as well, since these items may harbor mold spores without visible evidence. Be sure to change heating and air conditioning filters and have the system ductwork cleaned by a professional so that mold spores do not circulate in the dwelling or business.
Discard surfaces such as wallboard, sheetrock, chipboard and particleboard. Remember, water can wick up higher than the visible water line, especially exterior wall insulation, so the best practice is to remove the wallboard at least two feet above the water line. You can simply clean non-porous surfaces like glass, ceramic, metal and plastic.
Use a combination of household bleach and soap or detergent to wash down walls, floors and other mold-contaminated areas. Be sure to follow directions on containers and take particular note of warnings. Do not mix chlorine liquids and ammonia. Remember to wear rubber gloves, protective clothing and a tight-fitting facemask when working around mold.
To prevent contamination from flowing through the ducts of heating and cooling systems, be sure to remove the registers and then hose down the ducts before turning the units back on. After hosing ductwork, try washing with a disinfectant. If the ducts are in slabs or otherwise inaccessible, have them cleaned professionally.
When rebuilding, property owners living in flood-prone areas should consider using water-resistant materials.
Information about rebuilding after a flood and cleaning up mold is available on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Web site, www.fema.gov. Find additional information about mold and mildew at www.epa.gov and search for 'mold.'
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Oct-2007 09:39:54