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TOXINS IN THE WAKE OF THE FLOOD By Carol Febbo

Release Date: 10/22/1999
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

In our recent fight with Hurricane Floyd we battled with buckets, vacs and mops. Now that the waters have receded, what’s left behind could be enough to make you sick.

You may notice musty odors in areas that were once flooded. These odors can be a sign of rapidly growing microorganisms. Wet or moist rugs and other materials are a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, fungi and mold that can trigger allergic reactions long after the waters recede.

Try to dry out your home as quickly and thoroughly as you can, within the first two days if possible, before the mold takes over. Remaining excess moisture can cause indoor airborne health risks when molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. These biological pollutants can cause health problems. Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems. Also, high humidity in the home can foster the growth of dust mites, a major cause of allergic reactions and asthma.

Wet materials should be discarded. Throwing away some items may be difficult, especially those with sentimental value. However, keeping items soaked with water may be unhealthy. As a rule, discard materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried because they can be a breeding ground for toxic microbes. Musty items can pose a health risk even if they appear dry because microorganisms can still be releasing toxins.

Cleaning up after a flood means thoroughly washing and disinfecting walls, rugs, floors, and closets. In most cases, you can use common household cleaning products and disinfectants. Be careful to use them properly because many of them also contain toxic substances. Read and follow label instructions carefully, and provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. If it’s safe for you to use electricity and your home is dry, use fans both during and after using cleaning agents.

Be patient. Drying out can take several weeks. But, if the house is not dried out properly, you may have musty microorganisms multiplying long after the flood.

For more information on indoor air quality call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ask for Fran Dougherty at 215-814-2083 or contact:

Indoor Air Quality Information Cleaninghouse
P.O. Box 37133
Washington, D.C. 20013-7133
Phone: 800-438-4318
E-mail at: [email protected]