Dear Editor:

If you knew there was an organism in your house that could cause you serious health problems, wouldn’t you want to know about it?

Because of recent flooding in your area there are hundreds of homes that just might be the breeding ground for mold. The information enclosed in the media kit –
Mold … A Growing Threat – is critical for your readers impacted by flooding.

We have attempted to make it easy for you to utilize components of our mold informational campaign by providing a CD containing the following:

• Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up After the Flood Brochure
• Fact Sheet on Mold
• Fact Sheet on Hiring Contractor to Clean Mold
• Camera Ready Mold Print Public Service Announcements
• Stock photographs (Approved use with photo credit attribution)
• Website links for additional information

All materials are presented in word documents and the photos are saved as jpegs.

We encourage you to use any or all of the materials provided to you. We know your readers will benefit from this important information as they recover from this disaster.

Thank you,

Region V Public Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Department of Homeland Security
 

Mold and Mildew

Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home

 

The Problem With Mold

 

Molds are fungi – simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. Mildew is a fungus that grows on plants, but the name is commonly used to refer to the discoloration on walls and bathroom surfaces caused by mold. Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It is the ability to destroy organic materials, however, that makes mold a problem for people – in our homes and in our bodies.

 

Molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores – tiny, lightweight “seeds” that travel through the air.

 

Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems. See the HEALTH section on mold-related health problems.

 

Mold In Your Home?

 

If your home has water damage due to –

  • flooding

  • sewage backup from flooding in the area

  • plumbing or roof leaks

  • damp basement or crawlspace

  • overflows from sinks or bathtub

  • high humidity from steam cooking, dryer vents, humidifiers

– mildew and mold will develop within 24 - 48 hours of water exposure. 

Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture and effectively deal with the mold problem.

 

Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home. Then refer to the SOLUTION section for steps you need to take to remedy the problem. Also refer to the PREVENTION section for tips on keeping mold out of your home in the future.

 

(Below) FEMA Mitigation Specialist Norm Neely explains how to clean up mold to a flood victim.

Photo Credit:

Leo Skinner, FEMA

Examples of mold growth in homes that had been flooded.

Solutions to Mold Problems

 

Materials You Will Need

  • Gloves                                

  • Buckets              

  • Trash Bags

  • Scrub Brush

  • Wet-Dry Shop Vacuum

  • Broom, Mop

  • Sponges, Rags

  • Non-ammonia detergent, soap or commercial cleaner (phenolic or pine-oil based)

  • Disinfectant Chlorine bleach –  a 10% solution = 1-1/4 cup bleach to 1gallon water

 

Dry Out a Water or Mold Damaged House

Turn off main power if wiring is wet or moldy. Have electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning power on again.

Open the house to fresh air when the humidity is lower outside than inside.

Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture unless mold has already started to grow  (fans may spread existing mold).

Use the furnace only if the ducts have not been inundated (any forced air central heating ducts that have come in contact with water or mold should be professionally checked).

Remove all wet items such as furniture, rugs, bedding, toys and carpeting.

Discard soaked or moldy carpeting! Clean and disinfect other items.

Discard all possibly contaminated food products – anything not in a watertight container.

 

Interior Walls and Ceilings:  Remove all wet or contaminated porous materials such as ceiling tiles, Sheet-rock, and wood by-products. If wallboard is soaked, remove to a foot above

the water mark and discard.  Drain walls by removing baseboard and drilling holes near floor.         

Dry panel-type wall by pulling the bottom edge out from studs. Check interior of the wall for

hidden mold.

 

Floors and Exterior Walls:

Remove all wet insulation. Discard all but rigid insulation, which can be reinstalled after disinfecting and drying.

 

Mold growth will develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.

Molds thrive where there is a moist environment, such as in a house that has been recently flooded as pictured here.

Molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, drywall, fabric, carpets, and any other porous materials.

 

 

 

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Before you begin:

  • Make sure the working area is well ventilated.

  • Wear gloves and a mask; protect your eyes.

  • If mold is present, clean a small test patch. If you feel your health is adversely affected, consider hiring a professional to carry out the work.

  • Disinfectants are intended to be applied to already cleaned materials.

 

Hard Surfaces:  Wash items such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic and other nonporous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water. 

Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete.

Use a Wet-Dry shop vacuum to remove water and clean items such as studs or exposed wood framing.

Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10% bleach solution (1-1/4 cups bleach in one gallon of water). Let the solution stay on the surface for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with clear water or allowing to dry.

Porous Materials:  This includes upholstered furniture, rugs, bedding, clothing, curtains, books and papers and furniture made of pressed particle materials. Deciding whether or not to keep a contaminated item? Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. If an item has been wet for less than 48 hours, it may be able to be cleaned and disinfected with phenolic or pine-oil cleaner. It should then be completely dried and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors – if any mold develops, discard the item.

 

Allow the wet or contaminated area to dry completely (usually two to three days) before beginning to rebuild or replace the damaged items.

 

Some General Cautions

 

  • Exercise caution in cleaning and disinfecting molds because they release mold spores when disturbed. Wear gloves and a mask.

  • Never mix bleach with ammonia; fumes from the combination are toxic.

  • When discarding items contaminated with mold, use extreme caution or hire a professional.

 

 

(Above) Mold shows through a new coat of paint. If mold spores are still present in the drywall, new paint coverage will not cover the mold or keep it from growing

 

 

Health Problems from Mold

 

 

We are exposed to many kinds of mold both inside and outside the house. The exposure is greater in damp or wet conditions, especially when timely drying out does not have a chance to occur.

 

Of the thousands of molds that exist, some are known allergens (aggravating or causing skin, eye and respiratory problems) and a few molds produce harmful mycotoxins that can cause serious problems. But all molds, in the right conditions and high enough concentrations, are capable of adversely affecting human health.

 

The potential for health problems occurs when people inhale large quantities of the airborne mold spores. For some people, however, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. Infants, children,

immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions and the elderly are at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold.

 

Serious Health Problems from Mold Exposure

Typical symptoms reported from mold exposure include:

  • Respiratory problems – wheezing, asthma attacks, etc.,

  • Nasal and sinus congestion or dry, hacking cough

  • Eye irritation – burning, watery, redness

  • Nose or throat irritation – sneezing fits, bloody noses

  • Skin irritations – rashes or hives

  • Nervous system – headaches, memory loss, mood changes

  • Aches and pains

 

The more serious health problems have been associated with Stachybotrys atra, a highly toxic mold. The mold is greenish-black and slimy, resembling tar or black paint. Stachybotrys typically grows only on repeatedly wetted materials that contain cellulose like paper and ceiling tiles, and any kind of wood. In most cases, this mold can be removed by a thorough cleaning with a 10% bleach solution. Severe mold infestations may require the assistance of a professional with experience in dealing with Stachybotrys.

 

If mold exposure is unavoidable, sensitive people should wear tight-fitting masks or respirators.

 

 

 

 

 

Mold Prevention

 

 

There is no practical way for you to eliminate all of the molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. But there are many ways to help control moisture and mold growth in your home.

 

Stop the Water

  • Fix leaks in pipes, and any damp area around tubs and sinks, so that biological pollutants don’t have growing environments.

  • Rebuild, or retrofit, with water-resistant building materials such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, galvanized or stainless steel hardware, indoor/outdoor carpeting, waterproof wallboard, water-resistant glues and so on.

  • Prevent seepage of water from outdoors into your house. Rain water from gutters or the roof needs to drain away from the house. Ground around the house needs to slope away to keep basement and crawl space dry.

  • Cover dirt in crawl spaces with plastic to prevent moisture from coming from the ground. Ventilate the area as much as possible.

 

Keep It Clean

·         Clean fabrics often and keep them dry. Soil promotes mold growth.

  • Store clean fabric items in well-ventilated areas.

  • Consider having air ducts cleaned if you suspect mold exists on the inside surface of the duct or if duct insulation has been wet.

 

Keep It Dry

  • Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist; a fan will spread the mold spores.

  • Try to keep the humidity in your home below 40%.

  • In moisture-prone areas, choose carpets of man-made fibers.

  • Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.

 

Disinfect It

  • Routinely check potential problem spots like the bathroom and laundry for moldy odors.

  • Disinfect often with a 10% solution of bleach – 1-1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of water.

 

 

 

Photo Credits:

Society of Independent Representatives (SIRs)

 

 

For More Information on Mold

An excellent publication from the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Repairing Your Flooded Home. This source of comprehensive information is available free from

 

                                    FEMA Publications

                                    P.O. Box 70272

                                    Washington, DC 20024

 Local information and/or assistance is available through your county or city. Contact any of these agencies or departments:  Health, Social Services, Environmental Health or Housing.

 More information on cleanup after a flood and ways to reduce damages from future disasters can be found at www.fema.gov/fima.

 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an extensive listing of resources on mold and indoor air quality in general:

www.epa.gov/iaq. Click on Molds and Moisture.

 The EPA website describes the importance to your health of cleaning up mold in your home after a flood:

 During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

 

FLOODED HOMES MAY HARBOR MOLD PROBLEM

Mold growth is likely to occur in homes after flooding. It’s very important to clean and thoroughly dry any areas of the home that have gotten wet from floodwaters.  Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks, according to the Office of Indoor Air Quality at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mold - What Is It?

Molds are simple microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. When molds are present in large quantities they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

Should I Be Concerned About Mold In My Home?

Yes, if the contamination is extensive. When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems.

Who Is At Greatest Risk When Exposed To Mold?

The following individuals are at higher risk for adverse health affects from molds:

  • Infants, children and the elderly

  • Immune compromised individuals (people with HIV infection, liver disease, in chemotherapy, etc)

  • Pregnant women

  • Individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma

People with these conditions should consult a physician if they are experiencing health problems.

Typical symptoms reported from mold exposure include respiratory problems (like wheezing and asthma attacks), burning or watery eyes, nose or throat irritations, skin irritations like rashes or hives, and nervous system disorders like headaches, memory loss and mood changes.

 

What Can I Save? What Should I Toss?

Porous materials can trap molds. Items such as paper, rags, wallboard, and rotten wood should be thrown out. Harder materials such as glass, plastic and metal can be kept after they are cleaned and disinfected.

Removing Moldy Materials

  • Wear a filter mask and gloves to avoid contact with the mold.

  • Remove porous materials (ex: ceiling tiles, Sheet-rock, carpeting, wood products.)

  • Carpeting can be a difficult problem - drying does not remove the dead spores. If there is heavy mold, disposal of the carpet should be considered.

  • Allow areas to dry 2 to 3 days before replacing damaged materials

  • If Sheet-rock, or wallboard, is flooded, remove all Sheet-rock to at least 12 inches above the high water mark.

General Mold Clean-Up Procedures

  • Identify and correct the moisture source. Remove all water and fix any leaks before cleaning.

  • Clean, disinfect, and dry the moldy area.

  • Bag and dispose of any material that has moldy residue, such as rags, paper, leaves or debris.

Soap Cleanup

  • Wear protective gloves and a filter mask.

  • Use non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner in hot water. Scrub the entire area affected by the mold.

  • Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad.

  • Rinse with clean water.

Disinfect Surfaces

  • Wear a filter mask and protective gloves when using disinfectants.

  • After thorough cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a solution of 10% household bleach (1 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water).

  • Never mix bleach with ammonia - the fumes are toxic!

  • Let disinfected areas dry naturally overnight to kill all the mold.

Be aware that exposure to mold can occur during cleanup. To minimize exposure, consider using a breathing mask or respirator, wear rubber gloves and take breaks in a well-ventilated area.

 

USE CARE WHEN HIRING A CONTRACTOR

TO CLEAN FLOOD DAMAGED HOME

 

Damage to the home from flooding may be so extensive that you choose to hire a contractor or cleaning service to help with flood damage cleanup. If you are hiring a contractor to specifically clean up mold, use extra care in the hiring process.

 

According to recent news reports, there are many people claiming to be mold remediators and cleanup experts who have no training in the field. Businesses claiming to be mold experts have, in some cases, made the mold problem worse in the homes they attempted to clean.

When choosing a contractor to perform mold cleanup:

 

  • Make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Ask questions about training, background and the guidelines followed for the company’s cleaning techniques. The EPA suggests that contractors follow the recommendations in EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACHIG), or other guidelines from professional or governmental organizations.

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the contractor’s references. Residents may be able to check with local officials, industry associations and the Better Business Bureau if they have questions about specific contractors.

  • Do not sign contracts or make down payments without first receiving written estimates from contractors and avoid offers that seem too good to refuse.

  • Be wary of door-to-door solicitors who may visit areas recently affected by flooding and offer cleaning services or other repair work. Sometimes the work is never performed or the down payment is never returned.

  • Call the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the State Attorney General to report any fraudulent contractors or ask questions about possible fraudulent contractors operating in the area.

 

INTERNET LINKS

Federal Government:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Environments Resource Page on Mold

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration

A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nat’l Center for Environ. Health
Mold Resource Page

U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
Mold Resource Page

Federal Emergency Management Agency/American Red Cross
Repairing Your Flooded Home  

National Academy of Sciences
Damp Indoor Spaces and Health Project

Other:

General Clinical Research Center Cleveland, Ohio Area
 Stachybotrys & Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in Infants (info on health effects and clean up procedures)  

California Department of Health Services
Mold Resources

University of Montana Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project
Indoor Air Quality: Eliminate Molds, Excessive Moisture and Other Biological Pollutants

New York City Department of Health
Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments

 

Kansas State University
Controlling Mold Growth in the Home