Tips To Remember

* Avoid breathing dust (fungal spores) generated by wet building materials, crops, and other materials.

* Consider using an N-95 NIOSH-approved disposable respirator as a minimum when working with moldy or damp hay, grain, compost, or building materials.

* Consider discarding all water damaged materials. Articles that are visibly contaminated with mold should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.

* Surfaces that have a light covering of mold should be scrubbed with warm, soapy water and rinsed with a disinfectant made of 1/2 cup liquid household bleach mixed in one gallon of water.

* Caution: Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products that contain ammonia.

* After working with mold-contaminated materials, wash thoroughly, including the hair, scalp, and nails.

* If the safety of food or beverage is questionable, throw it out. Only drink safe drinking water that has been bottled, boiled, or treated until there is confirmation that the community water supply is safe for consumption.

When cleaning up or renovating buildings and homes that have been flooded, consider the following recommendations:

* If flooding has caused severe damage to a building or home and there is the chance to extensive mold growth, consult with your insurance carrier or local health department to identify a professional with expertise in Mold Remediation.

* If you suspect that flooding has damaged building integrity, consult a structural engineer or other professional with appropriate expertise.

* NIOSH-approved respirators are strongly recommended. Respiratory protection such as the N-95 must be used in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Also wear gloves and eye protection.

* Remove building materials and furnishings that are wet and may become contaminated with mold growth and place them in sealed impermeable bags or closed containers. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the area. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste.

* Remove and discard porous organic materials that have become wet or are visibly contaminated (e.g., damp insulation in ventilation system, moldy ceiling tiles, and mildewed carpets). Again, these materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste.

* Clean and disinfect nonporous surfaces where microbial growth has occurred with detergents, chlorine-generating slimicides, or other biocides and ensure that these cleaners have been removed before air handling units are turned on. When you use a biocide or disinfectant, use appropriate personal protective equipment. NIOSH-approved respirators with the appropriate chemical cartridges are recommended. Wear gloves and eye protection also.