August 25, 2016 Updated Mold Removal Guidance for Flood-Affected Residents

- For residents who are returning to homes that have been affected by recent flooding, mold removal is a top priority.

Breathing in mold can lead to health effects similar to seasonal allergies. Those with asthma may be more susceptible to the allergic effects of mold. 

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that trained mold remediation professionals do the mold clean up if mold growth covers more than 100 square feet, or a 10-by-10 foot area. For a list of licensed professionals, visit the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors’ website.

If the area of mold growth is small enough to clean yourself, ensure that you have appropriate personal protective equipment before starting. Wear gloves, a breathing mask and eye protection. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and what you should do.

Take the following steps to clean mold in your home:

For more guidance on mold removal, see the LDH mold brochure here. This brochure is also available in Spanish, Creole and Vietnamese here. Find a comprehensive field guide for cleaning up a flooded home here

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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