Fungi/Mold signs of water damage

Elite Water Damage Cleanup Feasterville -19053

By: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml

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Introduction signs of water damage cleanup

Fungi (mold) are present almost everywhere.  In an indoor environment hundreds of different kinds of mold are able to grow wherever there is moisture and an organic substrate (food source). They can grow on building and other materials, including:  the paper on gypsum wallboard (drywall); ceiling tiles; wood products; paint; wallpaper; carpeting; some furnishings; books/papers; clothes; and other fabrics.  Mold can also grow on moist, dirty surfaces such as concrete, fiberglass insulation, and ceramic tiles.  It is neither possible nor warranted to eliminate the presence of all indoor fungal spores and fragments; however, mold growth indoors can and should be prevented and removed if present.

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide an approach to address potential and observed mold growth on structural materials in commercial, school, and residential buildings.  Mold growth in critical care areas of health-care facilities such as intensive care units or surgery suites may pose significant health concerns to patients.  This document is not intended for such situations.  Please visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  for more information on dealing with mold growth and its cleanup in health-care facilities.¹ Mold on bathroom tile grout, in shower stalls, and on bathtubs is a common occurrence.  Occupants can control this growth through frequent use of household cleaners.

Water accumulation in indoor environments can lead to mold growth (and other environmental problems), which has been associated with human health effects (see Appendix A).^2-6Indoor mold growth can be prevented or minimized, however, by actively maintaining, inspecting, and correcting buildings for moisture problems and immediately drying and managing water-damaged materials.  In the event that mold growth does occur, this guide is intended to assist those responsible for maintaining facilities in evaluating and correcting this problem.

Removing mold growth and correcting the underlying cause of water accumulation can help to reduce mold exposures and related health symptoms.^7,8 Prompt remediation of mold-damaged materials and infrastructure repair should be the primary response to mold growth in buildings.  The simplest, most expedient remediation that properly and safely removes mold growth from buildings should be used.  Extensive mold growth poses more difficult problems that should be addressed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with an appropriate building or environmental health professional.  In all situations, the source of water must be identified and corrected or the mold growth will recur. 

Effective communication with building occupants is an important component of all remedial efforts.  Individuals who believe they have mold-related health problems should see their physicians.  Individuals who may have an occupationally related illness should be referred to an occupational/environmental physician for evaluation, following any needed initial care.  Clinic contact information is available from the New York State Department of Health.

Heavy Rain in Philly Results in Basement Flooding

By: http://healthfinder.gov

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Frankie give a warning about heavy rain in Feasterville Pa. This is a pretty funny video put he does give some good advice.  Warns about flooded basement and other possible water damage hazards the may happen as a result of several inches of rain.

Changing Flood Risks

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Flood risk can, and does, change over time. Flood risks change for many reasons: new development, changes in levee classification, and environmental changes, to name a few. As a result FEMA is updating flood hazard maps across the country. These new flood maps, also, known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), show flood risk at a property-by-property level.

When new maps are issued, your risk may have changed as well along with your flood insurance requirements. If your property is mapped out of a high-risk area, your flood insurance costs will likely decrease. If you've been mapped into a high-risk area, you will be required to purchase flood insurance if your mortgage is through a federally regulated or insured lender. But you can save money with the PRP Eligibility Extension and through a process known as "grandfathering" provided by the NFIP. If your property was newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone after October 1, 2008, you may qualify for a PRP flood insurance policy.

If you live near a levee, your flood risk may be higher than you thought. Hundreds of levees across the country no longer meet federal standards for protection, so when new maps are issued, these areas will be shown as high risk.

By: http://healthfinder.gov

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FRIDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Two specific strains of bacteria that appear linked to indoor mold caused by water damage have been identified by researchers.

Bacterial contamination in water-damaged buildings can cause health problems such as infection and respiratory conditions such as asthma. But until now, no specific bacteria that contribute to these problems have been pinpointed, making it difficult for public health officials to find ways to tackle the problem.

In a new study, University of Cincinnati researchers found evidence linking two types of bacteria --Stenotrophomonas and Mycobacterium -- to indoor mold from water damage.

The team made their findings after analyzing samples collected from 42 homes participating in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study, a federal government-funded project examining the long-term effects of environmental exposures on children's respiratory health and allergy development.

The study was presented Monday at the American Society for Microbiology meeting in San Francisco.

"If we are going to understand the role of indoor bacteria in human health, we must be able to identify and quantify the relevant bacterial species contributing to the health problems," principal investigator Atin Adhikari, an assistant professor of environmental health at the UC College of Medicine, said in a university news release.

"The association between bacterial contamination and respiratory health has lagged behind mold studies because it is difficult to determine which species of bacteria are growing in homes, and most of the bacterial species are non-culturable and not identified yet," Adhikari explained.

"These new data will help us more accurately target and combat the bacteria and to explore synergistic health effects of bacteria and molds growing in water damaged homes," he said.

Data and conclusions presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Flood Water After a Disaster or Emergency

By: http://emergency.cdc.gov

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Flood Water After a Disaster or Emergency

When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:

Inside the Home

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
  • Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ⅛ teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Stopping indoor leaks

Article by:Liberty Mutual
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What Causes Mold?

When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.

Preventing Mold

• The key to mold control is moisture control
• Fix leaks and seepage as soon as you notice the issue
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside
• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses
• Use insulation or storm windows
• Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation and keep doors open between rooms
• Carpet on concrete floors can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow - use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often
• Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth

Dealing with Mold

• Get rid of the excess water or moisture
• Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water
• Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced
• Contact a mold remediation specialist