After the flood: Health officials warn of mold

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After the flood: Health officials warn of mold

By MARK HAYWARD

Union Leader Staff

Tuesday, May. 16, 2006

The Union Leader - Manchester,NH

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=After+the+flood%

3A+Health+officials+warn+of+mold & articleId=7aec038e-5262-4ff2-847f-

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Months after floodwaters recede, mold can become a problem if not

properly dealt with now, a health official warned yesterday.

Also, officials warned that floodwaters can contain contaminants.

Anyone in contact with floodwaters or who cleans up flood-damaged

material should wash their hands thoroughly.

Any food that comes in contact with floodwater should be thrown out,

according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Water that comes in contact with many housing materials can end up

nurturing mold.

" Mold can be a serious issue. The key is to get on it quickly before

it can grow, " said Fred Rusczek, health officer for the city of

Manchester. " The key is to clean and disinfect and dry it out. "

Rusczek said homeowners should use wet-vacs and dehumidifiers to

thoroughly dry out flooded areas before repairs take place.

Once people return to their evacuated homes, Manchester health

officials will visit their homes to point out potential health

problems such as mold, Rusczek said.

Mold can cause upper respiratory problems and is particularly

bothersome to people with allergies or asthma. Also susceptible are

people with compromised immune systems.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges homeowners

to remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours

if they cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Such items include carpeting, carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper,

drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather and wood.

Flood-soaked items should be cleaned with detergent and water, or a

bleach solution.

Heating, ventilation and air-conditional systems are also

susceptible to mold after a flood. Cleaning involves removing

insulation, cleaning and disinfecting ducts, and removing and

servicing fans.