Eliminate Moisture To Combat Mold

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Eliminate Moisture To Combat Mold

Flood Victims Try To Prevent Dangerous Infestation

WMUR News 9

May 19, 2006

http://www.wmur.com/news/9246995/detail.html?rss=man & psp=news

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- The water may finally be pumped out of many

basements and homes in New Hampshire, but residents now have another

concern -- mold.

Experts said that it takes only 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin to

grow after surfaces are exposed to water. It's a potentially

dangerous after-effect of the flooding, and experts said that the

longer you let it go before getting rid of it, the harder it is to

clean up.

" We woke up and water was coming in the basement, " flood victim

Tracey Lyras said. " We got four pumps, but it wasn't enough to stop

the water. It was coming so quickly. "

After 30 hours of pumping, the water is now gone from the Lyras

family's basement, but the cleanup is only beginning. They have

called in professionals to make sure their basement doesn't end up

full of mold.

In order to grow, mold needs a food source and water. Sheetrock and

insulation act as food, and floodwater is the moisture. If allowed

to grow, mold can release a hazardous toxin and trigger allergic

attacks.

" Runny nose, burning eyes. If you're asthmatic, it can cause

respiratory problems, " said Tim Soucy, of the Manchester Health

Department. " People can have a difficult time breathing. "

The water level in the Lyras' basement was only about 5 inches, but

moisture crept up the sheetrock, which acts like a sponge. To

prevent mold, experts said the moisture must be eliminated first.

Rip up carpeting, padding, bedding and any porous materials. Then

take a look at walls, baseboards and subfloors.

" If you look at these walls, you don't see any water damage or paint

lifting, but when you put the probe into it, the moisture content in

the walls is through the roof, " said Knightly, of

Envirovantage.

After the damaged materials are removed, dry the area thoroughly

with fans and dehumidifiers before replacing materials.

" The sooner you can get rid of water, the less likely mold will

grow, " Knightly said.

The Manchester Health Department will be open all weekend from 8

a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone who would like more information on

preventing or eliminating mold and other flood-related hazards. To

contact the department, call (603) 624-6466.