Mold After Natural Disasters

When a natural disaster strikes, all other concerns are subordinate to the immediate injury and destruction that the calamity has caused, and ensuring that affected persons are either safe or receive proper medical attention.  In the aftermath of such a catastrophe, however, particularly one involving an inclement weather condition or flooding, homes and other structures find themselves falling prey to the ravages of mold contamination.  Whether brought in by the waters or thriving on the dampness and compromised buildings, mold in these situations can infest various materials rather quickly.  Consequently, people working in the area to rebuild or help others are placed at increased risk of exposure to mold particles, which can cause severe allergic reactions and respiratory ailments. 

Disaster workers who are dealing with mold-infested areas should consider wearing a N-95 NIOSH-approved disposable respirator to avoid inhaling mold particles.  They should also wear sufficient eye protection and gloves to handle objects safely.  Items that are clearly crawling with mold should be discarded outright, and those that have suffered water damage should also be set aside for possible throwing away.  Surfaces with a thin film of mold should be scrubbed with warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly with disinfectant.  A boric acid solution is good for fighting mold, though others prefer to use diluted bleach.  Once one is done for the day working with materials that are infested with mold, one should wash one’s hair, scalp and nails to remove any traces of mold particles.  Generally, if one is doubtful about the safety of a food or beverage, one should just discard it.  Any workers who experience allergy attacks, skin disorders or flu symptoms while in a contaminated area should seek medical attention immediately.

Building materials and furnishings that have sustained moisture damage and may be targets of mold contamination should be removed and sealed in closed containers or impermeable bags to avoid stray particle release.  Porous organic materials that have been compromised, like mildewed carpets, moldy ceiling tiles and damaged insulation, should be discarded as regular construction waste. 

In the event that the flooding has caused significant damage to the building structure, it may be prudent to look for a professional who is an expert in mold remediation, so that the salvage effort may be performed with the least chance of harm to either the workers or the building itself.  It would also be wise to consult a structural engineer, as flooding may have weakened the building’s integrity. 

Recovery efforts after natural disasters that have occurred in agricultural or rural communities ought to be handled differently due to the greater volume of organic material in the area.  Enclosed areas, such as silos, may prove to be ideal for mold contamination, so they should be vented first before any other work can be done.  Respirators are more important in these circumstances because of the particle exposure from moldy animal feed, hay or other such objects.  Hay and grain should only be returned to storage facilities after they are completely dried out.

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