Released March 10, 2011
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Flooding this month serves as a reminder that homeowners will have a better chance of avoiding mold and its potential health problems if they make sure that wood and other materials are dry enough for repairs, a Purdue Extension disaster specialist says.
Rushing into repairs could make the work futile and increase health risks, Steve Cain said.
"When floodwaters recede, we're anxious to get our home back to normal. But take your time and do it right," said Cain, who also is president of Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. It could take weeks - sometimes even months - before a house is properly dried out".
Moisture content
To lessen the likelihood of mold, Cain said homeowners should ensure that moisture content of structures - typically wood - is less than 15 percent before replacing damaged materials.
The presence of mold can lead to respiratory and myriad other health problems, including coldlike symptoms, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and skin irritations. People with asthma are especially susceptible to attacks.
In addition to the threat of mold, replacing insulation, wallboard and floor coverings such as carpet and linoleum too early can lead to rotting wood and insect infestation.
Information on mold and how to recover from a flood is available online at the Extension Disaster Education Network at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/eden/Pages/recovery.aspx
Purdue Extension also has a website with video on the same topics at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/eden/Pages/flood-home.aspx
Heavy rains since the first week of March have destroyed at least five homes and damaged about 300. Jay and Delaware counties in eastern Indiana and the counties surrounding them have been hardest hit.
Rivers and streams are "rising and falling like a yo-yo" as rains alternately pummel parts of the state and subside, Cain said. "With current rain and flow of rivers and streams, we're living day to day with threats of floods." .
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Purdue University, http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/general/2011/110310CainFloods.html
Source: Steve Cain, 765-494-48410, cain@purdue.edu
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robin89@purdue.edu
