Dealing with Mold in Damaged Homes

Hurricane Katrina caused unprecedented damage in the United States. Louisiana residents have recovered from many floods and hurricanes in the past, but never before have so many been hit so hard that they were unable to return to their homes for so long. Never before has such a large American population experienced such an extended flood period and power outage combined with high summer humidity. And never before have so many residents returned not only to homes that were torn up physically by the storm, but also to homes that hosted an unprecedented population explosion of mold.
     

Molds are a category of fungi. They serve as nature’s recycler by helping to break down dead materials. Molds produce tiny spores that float and spread easily through the air, so they are just about everywhere. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions—moisture, nutrients (nearly anything organic), and a suitable place to grow. Of these, moisture in either liquid or vapor form is the key factor—both for growth and for control.
        

Mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days. The longer it grows, the greater the potential health hazard and the harder it is to control. So as soon as it is safe to return, it’s crucial for the homeowner to begin cleanup and to dry out the house as safely and effectively as possible. After such a massive disaster, many if not most homeowners faced the task of doing this on their own, with limited help and resources.

First Things First

If your home has been flooded, take photographs before cleaning up for insurance purposes. Today, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold damage or cleanup costs, but flood insurance may cover these expenses.
       

Once you have taken the photographs, you should get started as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the claims adjuster to see your home before you remove wet and moldy materials.
        

If you are hiring a contractor to clean your home, seek out licensed or certified mold remediation contractors with special training and equipment. Get in writing the cost, methods, and steps to be used.Talk to several contractors and compare each contractor’s procedures with the following guidelines. Effective procedures may vary, depending on what specialized equipment and chemical treatments the contractor uses, but the contractor that you choose should address the principles listed in the following guidelines.

Mold and Health

People are exposed to mold mainly by breathing spores or other tiny organic fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact—for example,...