For several months my company has been heavily involved in flood remediation and restoration. With water intrusion comes fungal  (Mold) growth. As most of you know I've written several articles discussing mold and its effects. Last week I received numerous calls about mold. Most folks want to know how mold can affect their health or damage their homes. In this week's article I thought I would take the mold problem apart and explain the health effects, testing, and best way to get rid of it.

Health effects:

Individuals with chronic exposure to this fungus=s toxins have report cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, and sometimes intermittent hair loss. The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the human immune system. People with allergies may be more sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression or underlying lung diseases are more susceptible to fungal infections.

Testing for mold:

As stated in past articles, it is not necessary to identify the specific species of mold growing in a home, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend routine sampling. If sampling must be done it is usually done in three (3) ways: Air sampling for airborne spores, swab sampling, and adhesive tape sampling for spores that have settled on vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Prevention methods:

1. As a part of routine building maintenance, buildings should be inspected for evidence of water leaks and visible mold.

2. Conditions causing mold must be corrected immediately. Mold requires heat, moisture, and a food source to thrive. Eliminate one of the three and mold cannot grow.

3. Keep humidity levels in the home between 40% and 55%.

4. Make sure there is adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom.

5. Do not carpet bathrooms.

6. If the home was flooded, remove and replace flooded carpets immediately because mold starts to colonize within 24 to 48 hours. If you want to salvage the carpets, they can be dried, however I strongly recommend the entire area be dried using a commercial dehumidified.

7. Basements and crawl spaces that collect water should have installed liner systems with a sump pump. This system blocks the water from entering the space and pumps out any water that collects under the liner.

8. If you’ve had a major flood where the carpets and drywall got wet, I highly recommend calling a remediation company immediately. They will save you thousands of dollars in damage prevention by quickly drying out your living environment. Your insurance company will appreciate your prompt action as well.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), email them to madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, and his new Handiman Services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, Certified Forensic, Fire, Flood, Mold Inspection & Remediation/Restoration Contractor. Ed is the President of NWES, Inc (Northwest Environmental Services).