After a hurricane, the likelihood of mold contamination in your building is high, and excessive mold exposure may lead to several health problems. When returning to your business after a major storm, it is important to consider the dangers that come with floodwater. When the water recedes, it leaves behind bacteria that is a serious threat to health.
Working amid mold is associated with asthma development, respiratory infections, bronchitis and immunological reactions, according to the . Mold exposure can also increase risks of rare conditions such as allergic alveolitis, chronic sinusitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
According to the (CDC), people with asthma, allergies or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold.
Follow these tips from the CDC upon returning to your business after a hurricane has caused flooding:
Preventing the Growth of Mold
- Clean and dry the building quickly
- Open windows and doors
- Set up fans to help dry out the building— position fans to blow air out of the building
- Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours if they can’t be thoroughly cleaned and dried
- For example: carpeting, carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation materials, leather, paper, wood and food
- Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water
Getting Rid of Mold
- Use commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution
- Please note: Do not mix cleaning products together— Mixing bleach and ammonia can create toxic vapors
- Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete
- Always wear a N-95 mask or respirator with a higher protection level while in a mold-infested building
- If the mold covers an area of more than 10 square feet, consider hiring a professional to remove it
If you are a building owner or manager, take a look at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) .
For more information about mold prevention strategies after a hurricane, read put together by the CDC. If you experience health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.
