Clean Now To Prevent Mold And Breathe Easier
Release Date: June 16, 2004
Release Number: 1519-010
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The recent storms that swept parts of Ohio brought with them the risk of mold and mildew, especially in neighborhoods that experienced flooding. Disaster recovery and health officials warn that anyone whose home or business got wet inside should clean and disinfect those areas where mold spores and mildew are likely to grow.
"Mold is a significant problem after flooding, and prompt cleanup is critical to ensure it doesn't affect your or your family's health," Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director J. Nick Baird, M.D., said. "It's also important that the work be done safely and properly."
"People are understandably anxious to get on with their lives after a flood, but if you had flood waters in your home, take the time to clean thoroughly so problems don't arise later that affect your home or your health," said Brad Gair, the federal coordinating officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in this disaster.
Mold is made up of simple microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere. It grows wherever there is enough moisture for mold spores to multiply. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood caused by flooding provides an ideal environment for both mold and mildew to flourish.
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health problems, some minor, others quite serious. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home or business. Surface mold is often seen as discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. It usually gives off a musty or earthy smell that can become a powerful stench.
Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions (allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma), and the elderly are especially vulnerable to exposure to mold spores.
Allergic reactions are the most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms (alone or in combination) include:
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty in breathing
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Red, burning, watery eyes; reddened, blurry vision, and light sensitivity
- Dry, hacking cough
- Sore throat
- Nose and throat irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Skin irritation
- Central nervous system problems (headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
- Aches and pains
- Possible fever
The basic rule is, if you can see or smell mold, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and then cleanup and remove the mold. It is important to remove the source of moisture before beginning to cleanup, or mold will return if the area becomes wet again.
For proper cleanup after a flood, disaster recovery officials recommend following these steps:
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Before beginning extensive cleanup work on a flooded home, make sure the electricity is turned off. Unplug appliances and lamps. Remove light bulbs and cover plates of wall switches and outlets that got wet. If local building codes allows you to disconnect wiring from switches and outlets, do so and throw those items away.
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Remove as much mud as possible. Once you have checked the water system for leaks, hose down that part of the house that was flooded. It is best to use an attachment that sprays soap to wash and rinse the walls, floors, furniture, sockets, electrical boxes, and other major items that got muddy. Use a non-ammonia soap or detergent or a commercial cleaner in hot water. A stiff brush or cleaning pad works well on stucco, block walls, and uneven surfaces. Rinse clean with water. A wet/dry vacuum is handy for this process.
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Remove heating and cooling registers and ducts and hose them to prevent contamination when air is circulating through the ducts again. Next, wash with non-sudsing household cleaner. If ducts are in a slab or otherwise inaccessible, have them cleaned professionally.
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After thorough cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a commercial disinfectant (quaternary, phenolic, or pine oil-based; check the label.) You may also use a solution of 10% household bleach (11/4 cup bleach per gallon of water) and let it stand for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying. Using bleach straight from the bottle will not be more effective. Make sure the working area is well ventilated. Never mix bleach with ammonia - the fumes are toxic!
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A dehumidifier can help dry out the area; open cupboard and closet doors to keep air circulating.
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Bag and dispose any material that has moldy residue, such as rags, paper, leaves, or debris. Harder materials such as glass, plastic, or metal can be kept after they are cleaned and disinfected.
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Remove and discard materials saturated by flood waters:
- Carpeting
- Upholstered furniture
- Draperies
- Ceiling tiles
- Drywall up to at least 12 inches above the high water mark
- Wood products
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Allow the area to dry 2 or 3 days.
- Visually inspect the wall interior and remove any other intrusive molds. (This step may have to be carried out by a licensed contractor).
Be careful! Mold spores are easily released into the air when moldy material is dried out. Consider wearing a mask or using a respirator. Respirators can be purchased from hardware stores; select one for particle removal (sometimes referred to as an N95 or TC-21C particulate respirator). Respirators are not as effective removing bleach fumes, so minimize your exposure when using bleach or other disinfectants.
General cautions:
- Ask others to leave the areas when being cleaned.
- Work for short time spans and rest in a fresh air location.
- Air your house out well during and after the work.
- If you are especially sensitive to mold or household chemicals, consider paying a licensed contractor to do the cleanup.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland security strategies and priorities.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mtigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
This Press Release Was Updated on 06/28/05
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Jun-2005 14:48:26