September 24, 2021 LDH: Address mold problems before returning to your storm-damaged home

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The Louisiana Department of Health advises residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Ida to address mold issues. 
 
Almost all properties that were damaged by Hurricane Ida and subject to rain water will have mold growth in wet or damp areas. Mold is a serious problem that occurs when water enters and stays within a structure. It can grow quickly and continue growing until steps are taken to stop further water intrusion, dry out the wet areas and remove the mold.
 
The mold that is growing in your home started with mold spores that are found everywhere in the environment. These spores multiply in the presence of moisture. Mold growth frequently occurs in damaged structures or when the power is out and the humidity rises in a home. To prevent mold in your home, you must reduce moisture to prevent mold growth.
 
Mold cleanup after a disaster
 
If there is mold growth in your home, you should find and remediate all sources of water or moisture, such as leaks in roof, walls or plumbing, remove drywall and wet material or furniture in flooded areas, and clean up the mold. Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor for preventing mold growth.
 
You can start to clean up mold ONLY after you eliminate all pathways for moisture to enter the structure. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary since you can see that mold is present.
 
Mold cleanup information
 
Here are some tips to remove mold from your home:
 
For more information, call LDH’s Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology at (888) 293-7020.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Interim Secretary Drew Maranto

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