Mold formation is a big concern in houses that have been exposed to flood waters. Mold reproduces through the formation of spores which can get into the air and cause respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks, in those living in the house. It can also cause other health problems by not only forming allergens, but toxic substances as well. Mold allergies may be immediate or delayed. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.

There are many kinds of mold, but the one that is the cause of the majority of concern for homeowners is black mold. This mold is different from the mold that tends to grow on bathroom tiles, and the mold the grows on food. Molds like to grow and reproduce in cool, wet, dark places - making basements that have been flooded a prime environment for them. It is impossible to remove all mold from the air, but people can stop its growth and multiplication by keeping their homes free moisture and standing water. Flooded homes should be dried quickly and completely. If you have found mold, but have not had flooding, this is an indicator of a possible leak somewhere. To stop the spread of mold, patch up the leak, and thoroughly clean areas that have mold on them.

Mold Clean Up
If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, or if you suspect that ventilation system has mold growing in it, consult the Environmental Protection Agency. If you decide to go with a contractor to take care of both mold, and areas that received water damage, make sure that the contractor is experienced in working with mold. Also keep in mind that mold may cause permanent staining, and no amount of scrubbing will help restore the object to its pre-mold appearance.

1. Repair all leaks and remove all standing water. Run a dehumidifier in areas that have a tendency to stay consistently damp.

2. Clean all surfaces and non-porous (materials that do not absorb water) materials with detergent and water. Dry completely.

3. Porous materials, such as carpeting and ceiling tiles, may not be salvageable. Mold has the ability to form in every open space, making it nearly impossible to completely remove all of it.

4. Do not expose yourself of others to mold. Wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. Make sure that the mask fits properly, otherwise it will not be effective. You should also wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC (see Cleanup and Biocides). Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands. Lastly, wear goggles to avoid getting mold into you eyes.

5. Do not paint over or caulk over moldy surfaces. Clean the area thoroughly before applying paint to avoid peeling.

6. If you are unsure of how to clean a certain object (that may be valuable or have sentimental value), consult a specialist - whether it be a furniture reupholsterer or an art restorer, a carpet cleaner or someone skilled in fire or water damage cleaning and restoration. Look in the phone book to get the numbers of people in your area. Make sure to check for credentials, look for people who belong to accredited affiliations, such as the Home Builders Association.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)