Kentuckians continue to clean up more than two weeks after historic flooding hit the eastern part of the commonwealth. As flood survivors and volunteers clean buildings and remove debris experts say they need to be mindful of their surroundings and their health.
Dr. Erin Haynes is the chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. She said mold is a serious problem that is expected to increase in flood ravaged areas.
“Mold loves to grow in wet, dark areas and is probably already starting to grow inside walls and drywall and it can grow on anything. It can cause severe allergic reactions, eye, skin irritations.”
Haynes said if people encounter mold, they should call in a professional to remove it and clean the area. She said many older homes that were damaged can pose another kind of problem.
“So, when a home is destroyed, all the materials that are in it are released out into the environment. If a home was built before 1979, it most likely contains asbestos. Asbestos fibers could be airborne and inhaled during the cleanup.”
Haynes said wearing the proper personal protective equipment is necessary when dealing with asbestos and mold.
She says another problem in areas where a natural disaster has hit is carbon monoxide poisoning from generators in enclosed areas or near doors and windows.
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