Date: 9/22/2009     Author: Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic     Category: News

Georgia Flooding: Tips to Help Avoid Mold Contamination

With the current flooding in Georgia we expect increased mold contamination in affected homes.  Because your eyes and nose are excellent mold detectors you should be able to smell the classic musty odor or see obvious signs of excess mold growth.  If your home is affected then you will want to try to prevent further contamination and remove the mold-infested components immediately.  

Here are some tips to help avoid mold contamination:

• Attempt to clean and dry any wet building materials within 48 hrs to help prevent mold growth.
• Absorbent building materials like ceiling tiles or wallboard may need to be replaced.  If you cannot dry out porous materials by 48 hrs strongly consider throwing them out.
• Keep indoor humidity to less than 50% to help prevent further mold growth.  Dehumidifiers will likely be necessary in addition to regular air conditioning.
• If possible, fix any current source of continued water leakage. 
• Kill all visible mold with a bleach solution.  Over the counter products like X-14 work well while larger volume needs might be met with 1 cup of Clorox bleach per gallon of water.  Take care not to mix bleach with ammonia or you will create noxious fumes.  Open windows and doors while cleaning and use non-porous gloves and protective eyewear. 
• If you will be cleaning mold by yourself, be sure to use an N95 mask for protection.

If you cannot prevent the growth of mold and the resultant increase in mold spore counts in your home, you may experience direct irritating effects of the mold.  Symptoms may include itchy or burning eyes, headaches, sneezing, itchy skin, or nasal congestion.  If you are allergic to mold you may begin to experience similar symptoms along with wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough---all possibly consistent with an underlying diagnosis of asthma.  Patients with cancer, HIV, or chronic lung disease may also be susceptible to invasive mold infections in the sinus or lungs.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may want to contact one of our allergy specialists to help determine the best treatment options for your problem.

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