Mold Cleanup After Flooding
Mold Remediation Tips for Flooded Buildings
Although many people are not aware of it, mold spores are always present in the air and the environment.
The warm, moist conditions after flooding in the summer provide the perfect enticement for mold to set up shop. Home and business owners may be additionally frustrated because without power they can not cool and dry their buildings in time to prevent a full invasion.
Even if power is still available, people who have standing water in their homes or businesses should turn off the power before reentry. Portable generators can be used to pump water out of the building, basements and crawl spaces.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it is important to clean and dry out water damaged areas within one to two days to prevent mold growth and clean up after a flood.
Clean up the Mess
While porous materials such as drywall and fabric may have to be thrown out and replaced, hard surfaces such as stone tiles, plastic countertops and steel beams can be cleaned using water and detergent, or a mixture of one gallon water to one cup of bleach.
The CDC recommends opening doors and windows to let the building air out for at least 30 minutes before work begins. If possible, the flood cleanup crew should run fans to dry the building before re-entry. Fans should be positioned to blow air out of the building and reduce mold inside the structure.
It is important for people who are cleaning up their flooded homes to take precautions. Although not everyone will react badly to mold, it is hard to predict who will develop breathing problems or other allergic responses to mold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people who have asthma, chronic lung diseases or weakened immune systems should take extra precautions during cleanup – or should consider hiring a professional mold remediation service. Anyone who starts to feel short of breath or experiences itching skin or eyes should contact a doctor for advice.
People planning to clean up after a flood should have access to breathing masks that protect against mold spores, leather or rubber gloves and well as solid-soled, closed-toe shoes or rubber boots to protect their feet.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Concerns
Building managers whose HVAC systems have been submerged, even for a brief period, will need to take additional steps for mold removal. Because mold spores may not be the only materials in the HVAC system, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends using N-95 aspirators to protect against bacteria and other airborne particulates. If work is occurring in a building that is partially occupied, such as an apartment building, workers must isolate their work area using plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of spores and debris. The workers may also require temporary ventilation using systems with HEPA filters to protect their own air.
All components of the HVAC system that were submerged must be cleaned and disinfected, say national experts. The HVAC system fan will also requiring cleaning and disinfection before it can be reinstalled, regardless of whether it was submerged.
Although the work is hard, hot and sweaty, building and home owners may find this is an opportunity to replace old items with new materials that will work more efficiently and resist mold and flooding in the future.
