Hello ynkedoodl:
I'm so sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation. My town
experienced major house flooding during a heavy downpour last year and
many homeowners are still reeling from the effects.
I'll handle your question in two parts.
1. Health Conditions Arising from Mold
**************************************
[Google Answers Researchers are not medical professionals. If you (or
your wife) are experiencing mold-related symptoms/illness, please seek
medical help.]
There are several health risks associated with the presence of mold
from moisture damage in homes. I have listed the most common ones
below.
* allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever)
* toxic reactions
* asthma episodes
* infections
* respiratory damage
Some symptoms to watch out for include:
* cough, congestion
* runny nose
* aggravation of existing asthma
* sore throat
* nasal and sinus congestion
* eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
* central nervous system problems (constant headaches and mood
changes)
* aches and pains
* fevers (more unusual)
* breathing problems (more unusual)
* bleeding lungs (contested)
* memory loss (contested)
* chronic fatigue syndrome (contested)
Sources:
MOLD CONTROL - Tips for identifying and eliminating household mold
URL: http://www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/mold.htm
Mold in Homes
URL: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/
Out of the Dark: The Emergence of Toxic Mold Litigation
URL: http://www.wisbar.org/wislawmag/2002/03/mitby.html
One particularly nasty type of mold, called Stachybotrys chartarum,
can cause even more sever reactions, including:
* allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms)
* dermatitis (rashes),
* sinusitis
* conjunctivitis
* aggravation of asthma.
* inability to concentrate
* fatigue
* pulmonary hemosiderosis (in infants)
Source:
Mold Problem
URL: http://www.floodwaterdamage.com/mold_problem.htm
In general, the following categories of people are more susceptible to
mold illnesses:
* infants and children
* elderly people
* individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as
*allergies* and asthma
* persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV
infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
* pregnant women
Sources:
Mold in Homes
URL: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/
Mold in My Home: What Do I Do?
URL: http://www.cal-iaq.org/mold9803.htm
2. Clean-up Recommendations
***************************
The following sites give many helpful ideas about how best to clean up
mold damage in the home. If taken quotes from each of them, but I
suggest you read the entire articles.
MOLD CONTROL - Tips for identifying and eliminating household mold
URL: http://www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/mold.htm
Quote:
"Clean, disinfect and dry the wet area. (Should be cleaned quickly;
mold will grow with 24 to 48 hours). Wash the area with soap and water
before disinfecting. To disinfect, use a solution of 10% household
bleach (e.g. 1 cup bleach per 5 gallons of water) and a little
detergent. (The detergent will help with the dirt and oil on the
surface and act as a surfactant to help thoroughly wet all surfaces)
...Provide continuous and controlled ventilation in work area, with
the area of contamination kept at a negative pressure in relationship
to the rest of the home (in other words, air should flow from clean to
dirty areas.)
Mold in Homes
URL: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/
Quote:
"Mold Clean-up and Removal
To clean up and remove indoor mold growth, follow steps 1-6 as they
apply to your home.
Identify and Fix the Moisture Problem
Begin Drying All Wet Materials
Remove and Dispose of Mold Contaminated Materials
Clean Surfaces
Disinfect Surfaces - optional
Remain on Mold Alert "
Flooding Health and Safety Tips
URL: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/dph_emsip/InjuryPrevention/disaster/flooding.htm#Future
Concerns
Quote:
"Correcting Water Damage...Persons with respiratory health problems
(e.g., asthma, emphysema) should NOT perform the clean-up. Children
and pets should not be allowed in these areas. When using a bleach
solution, open windows to provide good ventilation. Boots and rubber
gloves should be worn at all times. In cases where rigorous splashing
of contaminated water may occur, a dust mask and eye protection should
also be worn....Have professionals check heating/cooling ducts and
wall insulation for mold growth."
Mold in My Home: What Do I Do?
URL: http://www.cal-iaq.org/mold9803.htm
Quote:
"GENERAL CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES...If flooded, remove all sheetrock to at
least 12 inches above the high water mark. Visually inspect the wall
interior and remove any other intrusive molds. (This step may have to
be carried out by a licensed contractor). CAUTION: Spores are easily
released when moldy material is dried out."
MOLD AND FUNGI CLEAN-UP
URL: http://www.asbestos.org/Microbial/MoldClean-Up.html
Quote:
"Can Cleaning up mold be hazardous to my health?
Yes. Exposure to mold can occur during the cleaning stage. Mold counts
are typically 10 to 1000 times higher than background levels during
the cleaning of mold damaged materials. Take steps to protect your
health during cleanup..."
How to Clean Up a Mold Problem
URL: http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldclean.htm
Quote:
"If you experienced severe flooding or a water leak, then you want to
remove or pump out the standing water, followed by drying the area. If
the area is really wet, you will want to use fans and dehumidifiers
(What to look for in a dehumidifier <prevent.htm>). You may also want
to move wet items away from walls and off floors...The quicker you
address the problem, the less extensive the damage will be since it
may only take 24-48 hours for toxic mold to germinate and grow. Prompt
remediation of contaminated areas and materials should be the primary
response to water intrusion and indoor fungal growth."
Of course, if all else fails, you may want to consider hiring
professionals. In your area, I found:
COBAK, LLC.
URL: http://www.cobak1.com/information.htm
A&J Specialty Services, Inc.
URL: http://www.aandjss.com/
I'm sure there are many other companies. Consult your local yellow
pages.
I hope this information helps with your research.
If you need any clarification of the information I have provided,
please ask using the clarification feature and provide me with
additional details as to what you are looking for. As well, please
allow me to provide you with clarification(s) *before* you rate this
answer.
Thank you.
websearcher-ga
Search Strategy (on Google):
health mold "water damage"
health mold "water damage" wisconsin
mold "water damage" "clean up"
mold removal "green bay" site:.com |
,
0 Comments
)