CDC’s Tips to Clean Up Mold and Resources to Help Property Owners and Managers Following Water Damage

Mold is a natural part of the environment, but exposure to elevated levels of it in homes, schools, and businesses can be a problem. Not only can mold lead to a number of exposure concerns for building occupants, its presence can even lower property values.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that mold can cause many health effects, including stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, or a skin rash. The agency also states that people with asthma, or who are allergic to mold, may have severe reactions. Immunocompromised people and those with chronic lung disease could even get lung infections from mold. Certain molds are also toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins known as mycotoxins.

To help those faced with indoor mold growth, CDC published the infographic 8 Tips to Clean Up Mold. The tips include:

1. Protect yourself - Put on personal protective equipment (gloves, mask, and goggles) to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin.
2. Toss! - Take it out! Anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned and dried out completely within 24 to 48 hours should be taken outside. Take photos of discarded items for filing insurance claims.
3. Air it out - Open all doors and windows when you are working, and leave as many open as you safely can when you leave.
4. Circulate - When electricity is safe to use, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture.
5. Don’t mix cleaners - If you use cleaning products, do not mix cleaning products together. DO NOT mix bleach and ammonia because it can create toxic vapors.
6. Scrub surfaces - Clean with water and a detergent. Remove all mold you can see. Dry right away.
7. Don’t cover it, remove it - Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing. Fix the water problem completely and clean up all the mold before you paint or caulk.
8. Dry it up - Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible – within 24 to 48 hours if possible.

“Controlling moisture is the key to preventing indoor mold growth,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Building owners, landlords, and property managers concerned about mold or other indoor environmental quality issues can turn to the experts at CTSI. Our building science and industrial hygiene professionals provide building inspections, consultations, testing, and monitoring services. CTSI can also offer mold remediation oversight and post remediation verification assessments.”

To learn more about this or other building science, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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