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North
Dakota Department of Health
NEWS
RELEASE
April 23, 2001
Prompt Flood Cleanup Can Prevent Health Problems
BISMARCK, N.D. - Concerns about exposure to mold, which can develop
following a flood, should be addressed quickly in order to prevent
illness, according to Francis J. Schwindt, chief of the North Dakota
Department of Health's Environmental Health Section.
When airborne mold spores are present in large
numbers, they can trigger allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections
and other respiratory problems. In addition, exposure can cause
development of an allergy to mold, resulting in long-term problems.
"People with asthma or pulmonary problems
and those who are allergic to mold are especially vulnerable to
mold-related illness," Schwindt said. "It is important
to clean and disinfect the contaminated area and remove the source
of moisture, or mold growth will recur."
If you can see or smell mold, a mold problem likely
exists. (Mold has a musty or earthy odor.) The first step in the
clean up process is to identify the source of moisture and correct
it. Then clean, disinfect and dry the moldy area.
- Use
a non-ammonia soap or detergent and hot water or a commercial
cleaner.
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- Thoroughly
scrub all contaminated surfaces with the soap or detergent. (Use
a stiff brush to clean masonry walls.)
-
- Rinse
all surfaces with clean water.
Moist,
fibrous materials and stagnant water provide the ideal climate for
mold growth. Since molds can infiltrate sheet rock, carpeting and
insulation, these materials generally should be discarded if they
become saturated.
After cleaning, apply a disinfectant solution of
household bleach to the surface (one to two cups bleach per gallon
of water). The bleach solution can be applied with a garden sprayer
or wiped on with a sponge or rag. Be sure to wet the studs, wall cavities
and floors thoroughly. Use a wet-dry vacuum to collect extra bleach
solution. Allow the bleach solution to dry naturally for a six- to
eight-hour time period. The bleach solution should not be removed
or dried quickly because extended contact time is important.
- Never
mix bleach with ammonia because the fumes are toxic.
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- Wear
eye protection and rubber gloves when working with bleach.
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- Ventilate
the area well by opening doors and windows.
When
working around moldy areas, use respiratory protection. People vary
in their susceptibility, but almost anyone who breathes enough mold
spores will have an adverse reaction. Such reactions may include
tightening in the chest, flu-like symptoms or even more severe reactions.
Scavenging of flood debris is strongly discouraged
due to potential for disease and physical injury. Scavenging also
may be prohibited by local ordinance.
People with questions about the cleanup of a flood-damaged home
can contact their local public health unit, their local American
Red Cross chapter, or the North Dakota Department of Health at 701-328-5188
or 1-800-755-1625. Fact sheets and other flood-related information
can be found on the department's website at
www.health.state.nd.us/ndhd/flood
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