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Local News

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

MOLD

By JOY BROWN

staff writer

As if a flood doesn't cause enough harm, a slimy, hairy monstrosity that can destroy property and make people sick often begins to grow in the aftermath.

"We got plenty of mold calls after the August flood," said Craig Niese, Findlay Health Department's environmental health director.

The hot, muggy days following the record flood created perfect conditions for mold to grow, particularly in places it hadn't before. Residents and business owners soon began inundating the health department with questions about how to get rid of it.

Subsequent floods have kept mold at the cleanup forefront.

Niese said mold, a fungus that must have moisture to proliferate, often grows on surfaces it can easily "digest," like wood, drywall and carpet.

"Every house has mold in it somewhere," but leaky roofs, poor drainage and pumping issues encourage more growth.



Health hazard

Mold, particularly large concentrations of it in places where people are constantly exposed, can also cause allergic reactions, Niese said.

According to the Mayo Clinic Web site, only a few dozen mold types cause reactions similar to respiratory allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin rashes are common, although some develop allergy-related asthma, which can be serious.

The Clinic stated potentially scary reports about toxic "black mold" causing severe health issues are generally unfounded. The non-medical term "usually refers to greenish-black mold that results from heavy water damage," the site explains, and "has not been conclusively linked to severe mold reactions."

The Ohio Department of Health doesn't recommend testing dwellings for specific kinds of mold, Niese said.

"We just tell people 'if there's mold there, get rid of it.'"

An allergy skin test can be used to determine if a person is allergic to mold. Antihistamines and inhalers are used to treat symptoms. Generally people are encouraged to limit their exposure if they suffer symptoms, particularly if their immune systems aren't operating well.



Cleanup

Deciding whether to tackle a mold problem yourself or hire help depends on the severity of the problem, but smaller affected areas that can be seen and may be emitting odor aren't hard to clean up.

The Findlay Health Department recommends scrubbing surfaces with a basic household cleaner and then disinfecting it with a bleach mix no stronger than one cup of bleach per two gallons of water.

Special products that restoration companies and some stores use and sell claim to have antimicrobial agents and be superior to regular cleaners, but Niese said the department doesn't have any conclusive data on whether they work better.

The Agency recommends limiting spore exposure while cleaning by wearing long gloves, goggles with no ventilation holes, pants, long-sleeved shirt and an N-95 respirator, resembling paper or rubber dust masks, sold for less than $30 at many hardware stores.

Using chemicals like chlorine bleach to kill mold isn't recommended. "A background level of mold spores will remain — these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved," the Agency states.

"We get a lot of calls about mold on the inside of walls," Niese said. "That's sometimes associated with poor insulation. In winter, condensation can form there."

Removing mold growing under or behind surfaces such as wallpaper can be more of a hazard because it releases more spores into the air. The Agency suggests considering hiring a professional in those instances.

Niese said some materials, like special drywall and wood varnish, can be used that are more water-resistant, but "the problem with some stuff is you can't really clean it ... like carpet," and those items need to be thrown out.



Prevention and control tips

Tracking the source of moisture and keeping areas drier is the key to keeping mold at bay.

The Agency states that in areas where leaks or spills have occurred and are dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold will not grow "in most cases."

"The quicker you get things dried out, the better," Niese said.

Roofs and gutters should be maintained, and the ground around a dwelling should slope away at a proper degree.

Indoor humidity should be kept low; condensation is a sign of high humidity. Basic steps can be taken such as using de-humidifiers, venting appliances to the outside, running an exhaust fan or opening a window while cooking, and running a bathroom fan while showering, the Agency Web site states.

Contact staff writer Joy Brown at:

(419) 427-8496

Send an e-mail to Joy Brown
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News Briefs Work scheduled on Findlay streets
Findlay's Main Street, northbound, will be reduced at times to one lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for waterline connection.

Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

Recount planned in trustee's race
OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

The recount will be completed on Wednesday at the county elections board office, 336 E. Main Street, Ottawa.

Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

An automatic recount is necessary if the margin is within one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast, according to state law.

Road to be closed
Forest Lake Drive, between Marion Township 237 and Indian Lake Drive/Forest Lane, will be closed today for a pipe installation.

The road is expected to open by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Township 242.