Mold and Other Potential Hazards Following Water Damage Caused by a Natural Disaster or Manmade Event

Each year, insurance claims caused by water damage are one of the most common and expensive types of claim. Water damage can not only destroy building materials, furnishing and belongings, it will also often result in the growth of mold, not to mention other contaminants that may have been introduced with the water. These frequently include sewage and even chemicals.
 
To help homeowners and renters deal with mold and other hazards following a flood, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released a guidance document to addresses these challenges. The document, Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters, provides helpful information about some of the hazards people may encounter and tips to protect those faced with mold and other exposure risks. 
 
“Some of the specifics from the document include the importance of quickly drying a home and removing water-damaged items to prevent mold growth,” said Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “If a home or other type of building is flooded, and it, along with furnishings and other possessions are not dried out within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth should be assumed. The mold may be visible and there may be a moldy odor, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like cabinets, carpet, cushions or walls. In many situations involving water damage, assessing and remediating the property should be handled by experienced professionals as the government agencies behind the guidance document warn that the job may be too difficult or dangerous.”
 
Building owners, landlords, renters and homeowners concerned about exposure to mold, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, lead-based paints, asbestos and other hazards following water damage can turn to CSC for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) assessments conducted by experienced professionals. Through building inspections, testing and monitoring, CSC can identify issues and offer remediation oversight to help ensure any exposure risks are correctly resolved. CSC has even sponsored an educational video about the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/BbNsFkwj10g
 
To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, building science, occupational, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail