Despite the prevalence of mold growth on carpet as part of restoration projects, there is little definitive information available on proper procedures for addressing it. (Photo: Shutterstock)

While professionals who specialize in remediation and restoration of damaged buildings have seen the growth of hard flooring over the past decade, carpet still makes up an extremely large portion of floor finishes. Some flooring experts estimate that as much as 10 billion ft. of carpet is being added to the U.S. building stock on an annual basis.

Considering that water losses are by far the largest type of insurance claim filed in the United States (almost 50% of claims as compared to less than 5% of claims for fire damage), it is no wonder that mold growth on carpets is a common challenge faced by individuals who are responding to emergencies.

A variety of opinions

Despite the prevalence of mold growth on carpet as part of restoration projects, very little definitive information is available on proper procedures for dealing with such situations. While the internet is full of suggested cleaning methodologies, restoration professionals are held to a higher standard than do-it-yourselfers as they are tasked with returning the building to a pre-loss condition. In many areas of the country, this has led to a general mindset that carpet with visible mold growth should be treated as a porous material to be removed and replaced, rather than a material that can be cleaned.

The basis for the default approach, in which carpet with visible mold should be replaced rather than remediated, comes from the idea that because carpet holds water, it is a porous material (as described by a number of documents, which contribute to the industry standard of care).

Many individuals who hold this view focus on the section of the S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation put out by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) that describes porous material as… items that easily absorb or adsorb moisture and, if organic, can easily support fungal growth (section 14.3.4.1).

This same guidance document then goes on to state that: Porous contents with “Condition 3” contamination is usually unrestorable based on material composition. The definition section in this document essentially states that any surface with visible fungal growth is “Condition 3”. Therefore, many restoration professionals automatically classify carpet with mold as a “Condition 3” porous material.

This thinking leads the mold remediation contractor to treat carpet with mold contamination in a fashion similar to a cardboard box or ceiling tile which has visible growth; tear it out and replace it. While this assessment makes the response process pretty simple, it does lead to the replacement of materials which could otherwise be remediated, rather than replaced.

A different approach as to how carpet with visible mold growth should be treated is found in the EPA document entitled: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Recommendations for the proper treatment of moldy carpet from this government organization are much broader with their advice ranging from the use of a wet vacuum, vacuuming with a machine equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or discarding the carpet.

One of the key considerations when looking at the more restrictive approach of the IICRC is while carpet does absorb moisture because of its construction, very few carpeting materials today contain organic constituents such as wool, cotton or silk. As such, there is no industry document that prevents the cleaning of most commercial grade carpet with visible mold contamination as long as the fungal growth is actually removed.

Still, removal of mold from carpet can be tricky. One reason for the hesitancy in cleaning such carpet is the fear that leaving microscopic spores behind will lead to future growth. Another common concern of the restoration professional is the way the mold grows, which pushes them to favor removal and replacement of carpet rather than cleaning.

Although fungal organisms do not have roots, they do produce hyphae (filaments that act like plant roots to secure the colony to the surface). When mold grows on carpet, it does result in some of the hyphae wrapping around the individual fiber strands of the floor covering. This intertwining means that physical action/agitation alone, like vacuuming, is unlikely to separate all of the fungal filaments from the carpet fibers.

With all this in mind, the focus in claims with mold on carpet should focus on two key aspects: 1) proper evaluation; 2) proper implementation when cleaning is appropriate. The evaluation of the carpet is straightforward in that many methods can be used to ensure no organic materials such as wool or cotton are components of the carpet which is impacted by mold.

If the evaluation indicates the carpet is an acceptable candidate for cleaning, then choosing the correct process is critical. Choose one that will remove the mold and restore the carpet to a pre-loss condition without damage; such as shrinking, fading or bleaching.

Treating mold on carpet

If the insurance industry is going to be successful in changing the default mindset of replacing carpet with mold growth, it is critical to make sure that any cleaning efforts actually remove all of the fungal materials; not just the fungal parts visible above the surface.

Both science and practical experience provide the answers, which allow carpets with mold to be cleaned. Moving away from a one-step approach to a multi-part process means that both physical agitation and proper chemistry can be utilized to attack the mold in different ways in order to facilitate its complete removal.

Whether it is carpet or other surfaces, twenty years of experience with mold remediation have taught professionals that a thorough vacuuming is the first step in effective mold removal. When dealing with moldy carpet, a HEPA-filtered vacuum is a must.

In order to minimize any excessive release of spores into the air during the initial vacuuming process, no beater bars or other agitation at the vacuum head should be employed. Proper vacuuming procedures are also important. This means that overlapping strokes and a steady, but not fast, vacuum speed should be employed.

Using these well-respected vacuuming techniques actually provides three significant benefits. Minimizing spore dispersal so the mold from the carpet doesn’t spread to other areas keeps the potential problems where they belong. Several years ago, a carefully controlled study of remediation techniques showed that a careful pre-vacuuming of the moldy surfaces was the most important single factor in reducing airborne cross-contamination.

A second benefit of proper vacuuming is that it pulls the loose hyphal fragments up along with the spores. Even if the initial vacuuming doesn’t remove all of the mold filaments, breaking sections of those wrapped around carpet fibers facilitates the later “unwinding” of the hyphae during later cleaning steps.

The final benefit of effective vacuuming involves the loose soils which are extracted from the carpet. The greater the amount of organic material that can be removed, the better the chance that the chemical cleaners used in step two will be able to effectively clean, oxidize and detoxify the remaining mold fragments.

Chemical & physical removal

One of the reasons that cleaning moldy carpets is effective today (as compared to when the mold remediation industry exploded onto the scene as a subset of restoration work) is because the products and application techniques for addressing mold with chemicals has gotten so much better. It is no longer necessary to rely on harsh chemicals which can damage carpet fibers just to ensure that they are effective at loosening/dissolving mold.

Some of the more innovative carpet cleaning chemistries also provide a residual sanitizing effect which is essential in addressing the concerns of regrowth, if some spores are accidentally left behind.

The basic configuration of ‘hot water extraction carpet cleaning equipment’ looks similar to the units introduced in the 1960s; however, the physical similarities are deceiving. Modern carpet cleaning equipment, particularly truck-mounted units, are much more effective than their counterparts of 50 years ago.

Using powerful carpet cleaning equipment does not guarantee the removal of the mold unless it is matched with proper chemistry. From a procedural standpoint, using an EPA-approved, anti-microbial cleaning agent for mold on carpets not only makes sense but significantly reduces liability. Employing chemicals specifically designed as anti-fungal carpet cleaners makes the most sense.

The third step in the multi-phase approach is the proper drying after vacuuming and hot water extraction, and an appropriate mold-cleaning chemistry has been completed. This drying should involve the use of HEPA-filtered negative air machines in an air-scrubbing mode, along with floor fans and dehumidifiers. Eventually, this safety precaution against cross-contamination will likely be modified as additional data becomes available, confirming the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Figure 1. (Photo: Wonder Makers Environmental)

Proving that it works

The remediation industry is not going to migrate from a ‘remove and replace’ approach to a ‘clean and save’ process for carpets unless there is solid evidence that the method is effective. In addition to laboratory studies in controlled conditions, amassing data from field projects will assist with the transition to effective cleaning. Figure 1 provides one sample of analytical data collected for a project. The collection of both air and surface sampling data confirms that the three-step cleaning process can be an effective alternative to replacing carpets contaminated by mold growth.

Michael A. Pinto, CSP, CMP, (map@wondermakers.com) is the CEO of Wonder Makers Environmental and writes extensively about best practices in mold assessment and remediation.

Related:

Hiring a mold assessor after a catastrophe

source https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/05/16/the-moldy-carpeting-dilemma-replace-or-restore/

If you’d like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.

source https://www.manchesterjournal.com/stories/gratitude-for-help-with-issue-at-the-meadows,573549

Most of us have dealt with mold on a few occasions. It can be a frustrating task to clean or treat the mold or mildew spots that appear in your home, and the health concerns are enormous. Even more frustrating than that is the fact that mold is relentless. If it is not treated properly, it will surely return and cause problems all over again.

Mold can easily get into your home and grow on your walls and ceilings. To eradicate mold, mold spores, and mildew, you need to use a proper treatment regime which may include cleaning as well as painting. There are many different paints and primers you can use to treat this exact problem.

But does mold killing primer or paint actually work? Let’s take a look at what mold is, why it is considered to be dangerous for your health, how it can be treated, and whether you should spend money on special paints or primers.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that naturally grows outdoors. It takes part in the decomposition of plant life. Reproduction happens through spores – adult mold releases spores into the air and they get carried by the wind.

It is far too easy for spores to get into our homes. As soon as mold takes hold in a building, it starts reproducing. Dampness or humid temperatures contribute to its rapid growth.

Mildew, a white or black growth, is often found against walls or ceilings. It also damages clothes and fabrics. Mold and mildew can leave marks on fabric or even destroy it.

Mold also creates an unpleasant smell in your home. But the biggest downside of having mold in your home is the damage caused to your and your family’s health.

What Makes It So Dangerous?

What makes mold so dangerous is the mold spores it releases in order to reproduce. The spores become airborne, especially when disturbed by rubbing or cleaning, and they can be breathed into the lungs. When these spores are inhaled, serious lung infections may occur. Black mold spores are especially dangerous and they can cause lasting health conditions.

Furthermore, mold can cause skin and eye irritations. It can worsen or even cause the symptoms of asthma and allergies. It is therefore important that mold is eradicated from the home before it could take a hold on your health. It is also imperative that a mask is worn when working with mold.

What is Mold Killing Paint and Primer and How Does It Work?

Mold killing paint and primer is a fungicidal protective coating that is used to paint over and kill mold. These products contain an antimicrobial to prevent the growth of mold. It can be used in or outside of the home. It will also assist in covering up the smell as well as the stains created by mold.

Since this type of product comes with a built-in pesticide, it may be more expensive than normal PVA paints. So you might wonder: does mold killing primer or paint actually work and is it worth it to pay extra for it?

Unfortunately, little information exists on whether mold killing paints and primers actually work or not. It seems that with a proper pre-treatment, these paints usually do the trick of removing and covering up the mold, as well as stopping it from coming back later.

Here is how you can keep mold at bay with the use of these paints and primers.

How to Treat and Paint Mold Infected Walls or Ceilings:

It is important that you treat the area to be painted first before you start painting. If you neglect that step, the paint might peel off and the mold might return to its former glory. Treating the area also helps the primer work properly.

1. Remove Mold

Before you do anything else, you need to remove the mold or mildew from the walls. Wash the area with warm soapy water. A bleach and water mixture will also do the trick since bleach will assist in killing the mold. Remember to use a mask during this process since mold spores become airborne especially when disturbed. When this happens, you could inhale them without even noticing.

2. Take Care of Damp Areas

Ensure that the infected area is clean and dry and that any underlying structural problem has been taken care of. For example, you might need better insulation or improved plumbing. You should also make sure to scrape off any loose or peeling paint from the walls, as well and treat all the surfaces with a proper filler.

Never skip this step, as the mold is sure to come back if you don’t eradicate it.

3. Primer and Topcoat

Paint at least two coats of the primer to ensure that the mold is completely covered and contained. The first coat should dry within an hour or two, after which it is advised to follow it up with a second coat of the same primer. Follow the primer up with a top coat within 72 hours from primer application.

Some people find it difficult to choose a paint or primer they can trust. For others, the process of treating the moldy area can prove to be a challenge. But remember that you don’t have to do this job alone. There are experts you can hire who have ample experience in getting rid of mold.

Final Thought

While mold is not an unusual occurrence, it is a headache for many of us. It is imperative that mold is eradicated from the home to ensure that the mold spores do not become a health problem for you or your family members.

When mold finds a way onto your walls or ceilings, a proper treatment regime is required. At the very least, you need to clean the area properly and perhaps even cover the area with an appropriate product that treats mold.

Does mold killing primer or paint actually work? When applied properly, these products can help save your home from mold. However, you have to choose the right products, which can be pricey. If you’re not sure where to start, asking for expert help might be the best solution.

References:

http://bit.ly/2Vu6Y15
http://bit.ly/30mYlcj

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source https://www.redorbit.com/does-mold-killing-primer-or-paint-actually-work/

Washington Governor and Democratic presidential candidate Jay Inslee visited flood-damaged businesses in Davenport Wednesday. Fighting climate change is a cornerstone of his campaign for the White House, and Inslee says communities like Davenport are already seeing the negative impacts of excess greenhouse gas emissions.

The recent floods in the Quad Cities crested higher and lasted longer than any other on record in the area. Two weeks after the Mississippi River broke a temporary flood barrier and swamped parts of downtown Davenport, those in the affected area are still grappling with what comes next.

A couple of business owners have said they won’t re-open in downtown Davenport; others are still mucking out basements and tearing out waterlogged drywall and flooring. They’re racing to clear out the damage before mold sets in and to scrub away the river silt and the stench of the sewage that was pumped into the floodwater when the wastewater treatment plant became overloaded.

Jay Inslee met with some area business owners affected by the flooding, including board members of the non-profit Dress for Success which provides professional clothing and life coaching to women in need.

Founder and Executive Director Regina Haddock says the organization’s landlord is forcing them to leave their 2nd street location because of the flooding.

“This is a watershed moment for us,” she told Inslee. “It’s hard.”

Inslee pulled two $20 bills out of his wallet to help the group with their recovery. He says Davenport is already seeing the impacts of global climate change and that the federal government isn’t doing enough to help. 

“We oughta have a government that is smart enough to realize that if we don’t fight the climate crisis, these floods are just gonna keep coming over the tops of these barriers, and they’re just gonna keep flooding out our  businesses, and they’re just gonna….keep taking people’s lives,» Inslee said. «And that’s maddening to me!”

Inslee also met with state lawmakers Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, Sen. Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, and Jerry Schnoor, a civil and environmental engineer at the University of Iowa.

The group also visited Matthew Osborn, the owner of a new restaurant called The Half Nelson which was slated to open the day the temporary flood barrier broke. It’s located just a couple of doors down from the line of failed HESCO barriers. Osborn says it’ll likely be another month before he finally opens.

Osborn says it’s painful that the worst impacts hit a part of downtown that has seen considerable investment in recent years and was one of the city’s up and coming neighborhoods.

“It’s a possibility like I’m going to be like the only one on the block for a little while. And I think that all my neighbors will recover, but they have sort of a taller hill to climb,” Osborn said. “I don’t know when the vibrancy that this neighborhood had just a couple weeks ago is gonna happen again.”

Inslee has built his campaign around his promise to combat global climate change, which he compares to fighting fascism in World War II and he says depends on a “complete mobilization of the United States.”

Speaking to reporters Wednesday he called on the rest of the Democratic field to pledge to divest the country from fossil fuels in less than two decades. Inslee says communities like Davenport that have been battered by natural disasters deserve action.

“We need to get off coal by 2030. We need to be off fossil fuels in our electrical grid by 2035. These are commitments to the people of Davenport, Iowa. They are commitments to the people of Paradise, California. Anything less than that is a half measure, and half measures will not cut it,” Inslee said. “We did not beat fascism by fighting half the war.”

Restaurant owner Matthew Osborn says he’s more receptive to Inslee’s messaging on climate change after his experience with the recent floods, saying it’s an issue he feels “much more strongly about” now than he did three weeks ago. But he says he has no plans to leave downtown Davenport. After a slate of renovations in the 1920s-era building, Osborn says he’s looking forward to opening up the place, despite the risk.

As Inslee headed out the door to his next stop, he complimented the décor and asked Osborn if he’d be open to potentially renting the space for a presidential event once the place is dried out and back up and running.

“Absolutely, look forward to it,” Osborn said, laughing. “I’ll put you in the book, as soon as I dry the book out.”

source https://www.iowapublicradio.org/post/inslee-tours-flood-damage-davenport-touts-climate-change-policy

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Tri-State business sees increase in water damage calls  khqa.com

While many across the Tri-States are fighting the flood, others on higher ground are battling water damage from excessive rain. KHQA met with American …

source http://khqa.com/news/local/tri-state-business-sees-increase-in-water-damage-calls

A 105-unit apartment complex near the ocean in Redondo Beach that had been severely damaged by rainwater sold for $53.5 million last week to a new owner promising to rehabilitate and rebrand the site.

“We love the South Bay and we plan to move very quickly so that the asset can become stabilized and better than ever before,” said Kevin Conway, director of acquisitions for IDEAL Capital Group, which, together with Aegon Real Assets US closed, on the property Thursday, May 9. The company will also perform water-proofing on the entire complex.

Conway said construction should last about six to eight months.

Roughly 80 percent of the residents at the Novella Redondo apartments, 616 Esplanade, vacated their homes after “extensive water damage during October 2018 storms,” Stockbridge Capital Group, the company that has owned the property since 2015, said in a statement Monday, May 13.

Nicole Ruiz, who lived at the property with her boyfriend for about four years — until October — said she thinks she was exposed to asbestos through pieces of the roof that scattered onto her third-floor balcony and a hole in her bathroom ceiling that let rainwater in.

Before the October storms even hit, Ruiz said, the complex already needed a complete roof replacement because of mold and water intrusion from earlier in 2018.

The 82,000 square-foot apartment complex underwent roughly $16 million in renovation work before the sale, including the roof replacement and “common area waterproofing upgrades,” Stockbridge said.

But the crews, Ruiz said, were in the middle of repairing the roofing above her apartment when the autumn rains came.

“For 3.5 months, we lived under plywood and plastic,” Ruiz, 43, said Monday. “They kept saying the roof was coming, but we loved living there so much because it was right near the beach, so nobody really got on their case about it.”

Because of the hole in her ceiling, Ruiz said, the rains that pummeled Southern California in the fall also landed in her bathroom, bringing building materials with it. Chunks of the roof’s perimeter also fell onto her patio; those pieces contained a hard glue with asbestos, according to Ruiz, who also said she confirmed the asbestos with an inspector she hired weeks later.

“They said as long as it was left in big chunks it was OK, and it wasn’t airborne,” Ruiz said. “But it was all over my patio and my herb garden. I would wash vegetables and eat them.”

The management company sent its own inspectors to look at the complex after the rains ended, Ruiz said. Soon after, Ruiz added, she and many others received a three-day notice to vacate.

“They never said, ‘You are in danger,’” Ruiz said. “They said they would put big fans in to dry out the walls.”

Dean Zander, with CBRE Southern California, which represented Stockbridge in the sale of the property, did not address Ruiz’s specific claims when reached by phone Monday afternoon. But he did say the owners did everything they could to secure the property and make it safe to inhabit.

“Part of the remediation in order to deliver the building was to re-mediate any mold that was found as a result of water intrusion,” Zander said. “I’m sure it wasn’t convenient for anybody, but it was a natural event. They were trying to update the property.”

Ruiz said the company prorated her October rent and returned her deposit and first month’s rental costs. But they did not offer to pay for moving expenses or to replace possessions that were damaged, which she said cost about $8,000.

Despite the damage, Zander said, demand for the property was high; it received more than 20 formal offers.

The renter’s insurance, meanwhile, wouldn’t cover Ruiz’s losses, she said; when she told the management company that and said she was considering legal action, but the company let her stay in a guest suite it shows to potential tenants.

source http://tbrnews.com/news/water-damaged—unit-apartment-complex-in-redondo-beach-sells/article_0f662860-766e-11e9-9b65-5ff3939f756b.html

While the Brazos River has crested, Fort Bend County officials and the National Weather Service continue to monitor the river. The county is also beginning to look forward at cleanup from floodwaters which hit much of the county since Tuesday.

«The National Weather Service shows that the Brazos River has crested,» Fort Bend County Judge KP George reported on Facebook. «We have lost access to the mile stretch and we are keeping the park gates closed because we are seeing water come over the road around Headquarters.»

Meanwhile, county officials have been visiting areas in the county to survey damage and determine what needs to happen next.

Commissioner Vincent Morales, Constable Mike Beard and Mayor-Elect Andrew Bohac spent part of Saturday surveying damage and high water levels on Saturday, May 11, in the hardest hit parts of Needville.

The city of Rosenberg continues to monitor river levels and advises that is may be necessary to close some roads for the safety of area residents.

«The city of Rosenberg is stressing to the public that it is not safe to move or drive around barricades,» the city posted on its Facebook page. «The barricades protect the safety of the motoring public and our residents and businesses. Even when you don’t immediately see water, it is not safe to disregard the traffic signs and barricades.»

Big Creek reportedly hit levels not seen since 1961, surpassing measured levels seen during Hurricane Harvey. Big Creek flooding has contributed to severe erosion near Elm Lake in the state park, leading to concerns about the roadway connecting the two halves of the park and the oxbow lakes.

Officials continue to monitor erosion and roadway damages.

Storm recap

The Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center recapped the rain event over the last week, beginning with the rain system that moved into the area on Monday.

By Tuesday, the rainfall rates were higher than predicted and the Brazos River began to rise rapidly. George issued a Disaster Declaration on Tuesday in anticipation of the continued heavy rainfall to come. Low-lying areas of Fort Bend County had flooded by early Wednesday.

«On Thursday, after monitoring weather conditions and river level projections, the County increased operations to Readiness Level II (Escalated Response Conditions),» the Emergency Operations Center reported. «By Friday, May 10, over 12 inches of rain had fallen in Fort Bend County. Several roads and schools closed within the county. The Brazos River crested Friday near 48 feet, and the San Bernard River is still experiencing moderate flooding.»

Most area schools were closed on Friday.

«On Saturday afternoon, conditions had improved sufficiently to allow the Emergency Operations Center to return to Readiness Level III and demobilize additional resources in the Joint Information Center,» according to the EOC. «Fort Bend County Homeland Security & Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor weather and river conditions throughout the weekend and keep county residents updated on any new developments.»

Residents who have suffered impacts from this storm system are encouraged to visit the Fort Bend County Homeland Security & Emergency Management at https://fbcoem.org/recover.

Debris pickup

In the coming days, Fort Bend County will begin recovery efforts including picking up debris.
«The first round of debris pickup for properties affected by the rain/flood event for city and county jurisdictions will begin on Monday, May 20,» the Office of Emergency Management reported.

Debris needs to be separated and placed in the right of way. Debris will not be removed on private streets or in gated communities. This will be the first of three passes made for debris pickup.
For more information, go to fbcoem.org.

Mold

With the standing water receding and the area drying out, the Centers for Disease Control reports that mold can «begin to grow in your home within 24-48 hours after exposure to flood waters and will continue to grow until you eliminate the source of moisture and effectively deal with the mold.»

For more information on mold prevention after flooding, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention page on mold prevention at www.cdc.gov/mold/control_mold.htm.

rkent@hcnonline.com

source https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/fortbend-news/article/Fort-Bend-County-monitors-waterways-plans-for-13838446.php

By CN Staff

LINCOLN, Neb.— A road crew from the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln (CCC-L) recently wrapped up their flood relief efforts at the Nebraska National Guard training site at Camp Ashland. While not strangers to hard work, crew members were confronted with an especially difficult challenge when they arrived at the gates more than a month ago.

When Corporal David Colling, of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and his group first arrived, they were unable to gain access to the grounds due to the high water. As floodwaters receded in the following week, it became apparent how much cleanup it would take to restore the base.

The team, supervised by Cpl. Colling, is one of two road crews contracted by the military through Cornhusker State Industries (CSI).  People housed at CCC-L are first assigned to work detail crews, and then later transitioned to private sector jobs in the community. Kyle Miller has been with the road crew four months, acting as crew leader. He said the experience has been a positive one. “It gets me out and helps the days go by fast. It is hard work, but worth it.”

Normally, Cpl. Colling oversees a group of three men through the winter and up to five men during the spring and summer months who work at the National Guard base in Mead, Neb. Regular work during the year consists of shoveling walkways, mowing the vast grounds and ditches, cleaning up fallen trees or branches, picking up trash and digging out noxious weeds.  After witnessing the devastation at Camp Ashland, the National Guard submitted a request to CSI to provide a larger crew at the base.

Since mid-March, a group of around 16 men have made the trip daily from CCC-L, with everything needed for eight hour workdays, including fresh water. Water provided at the base was deemed unsafe to drink. 

“Having a larger crew has been crucial, said Cpl. Colling. “They’ve been working incredibly hard and the speed at which they’ve worked has been a key factor in hopefully salvaging the buildings.”

Ryan Barbeau joined the crew when it became apparent that more men would be needed for the job. While the group has worked in cold and wet conditions, Barbeau noted, “It feels good knowing we are giving back to the troops and the community”

Unfortunately, not all could be saved.  Due to contamination, most items have been destroyed, including brand new furniture, which ironically, had recently been built and delivered by CSI.  Over the past several weeks, members of the road crew have cleared buildings of flood-damaged furniture, ripped out dry wall and wood panels, collected equipment for salvage and cleaned up tons of debris.

“Their help has been invaluable, said David Nanfito, first sergeant with the National Guard. “They came here with mindset to work hard and get stuff done. Thanks to their fast and efficient work, we were able to prevent more damage from mold setting in. Without these men, it would have taken much longer.”

The Guard base in Ashland will reopen in stages, starting in a few weeks.

source http://correctionalnews.com/2019/05/14/community-custody-crew-aids-in-nebraska-flood-cleanup/

It didn’t take long for the recent rains to bring a number of mold and mildew related questions to the Extension office. The saying “Water always wins” is so true. Whether it is a crack in the foundation, a leaky roof, or the water table raising so that water enters a basement or crawl space, water damage can take a toll on the health and well-being of family members.

Molds are usually not a problem during dry weather. However, when mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing, it doesn’t take long for a problem to develop. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and nonallergic people.

Mold needs food in order to grow. Organic compounds like the back side of dry wall, wallpaper or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, or the underside of carpets and pads can feed mold. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. So you must act quickly when water damage happens.

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

The best course of action if you detect mold growth is to clean and repair water damage immediately. Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent) and increase ventilation with the use of fans.

People are constantly asking me “How do I test for mold?” The answer I share is from Curtis Reddington, an environmental specialist from Wichita, who shared a program about mold a few years ago. “If you see it or smell it, you have it.” Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards.

There is an excellent EPA bulletin available on-line titled, “A Brief Guide to Controlling Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.” It has information on identifying and cleaning up moldy areas. Just google the publication title and you will see the link.

Donna Krug is the Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

source https://www.hdnews.net/news/20190511/recent-rains-prompt-mold-questions

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) — A D.C. mother is desperate for help — she says her 10-year-old’s life is in jeopardy, and it’s shining a spotlight on a big problem in the District when it comes to affordable housing.

A look inside Felicia Ross’s home on Affordable Housing Row home along 9th Street Southwest shows water damage — and the mold that puts her child at risk.

Doctors say the mold and mildew are contributing to her daughter’s severe asthma and respiratory failure.

Felicia Ross has been asking the D.C. Housing Authority to move them to a new home for months.

“I’ve given them handwritten letters from even her primary health care letting them know what she has can kill her, and we’re still here. They know about it. I’ve sent them pictures. I’ve sent them emails,” Ross said.

While FOX 5 was in the home, the 10-year-old child became overwhelmed — she was literally terrified for her own life.

The girl — Amira — was just released from her latest emergency visit to Children’s National Medical Center.

Amira’s living environment puts her at risk for repeat hospital admissions — and possible death.

The doctors are asking that she be moved into an environment free of moisture, mold, and rodents, whose droppings can trigger asthma.

They also want her to be in a smoke-free building.

“They have seen two cases in the last year of children dying from the same conditions Amira has due, in part, to their housing conditions,” said attorney Stacy Ruegilin.

Ruegilin is helping the family pro-bono. They haven’t filed a lawsuit — she’s just trying to help fasttrack their case with the D.C. housing authority.

She says the city has repeatedly offered units with conditions as bad or worse than what they are in now.

“At least two of them have been identified by the housing authority to the Department of Housing and Urban Development as candidates for demolition because they are no longer habitable. It’s not just this family, it’s systemic throughout D.C.,” Ruegilin said. 

“I’m not trying to bury my child. I’m just…we’re still here, waiting,” Ross said.

The head of the D.C. Housing Authority sent FOX 5 a statement.

“When your child’s health is in the balance, nothing else matters…the health and safety of the residents is DCHA’s top priority,” said Tyrone Garrett, Executive Director of the DC Housing Authority. 

The statement continues:

So long as it’s feasible DCHA will continue to work with the family to help them find a different home where they feel more at ease.

All environmental issues in the existing apartment have been addressed. The apartment has been tested and the environmental issues have been addressed. 

The physical conditions of our properties mean the options for transfers are severely limited. More than 2,600 housing units are classified as ‘extremely urgent’ condition and need major repairs. Since late 2018, Director Garrett has been working with the agency’s board of commissioners, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the District government to address the enormous capital needs of the agency.

Approximately 40,000 people are on DCHA’s general waitlist. The majority of DCHA’s properties are more than 50 years old and the federal funding for capital maintenance and improvements has been on a steady decline for the last several years.

The Housing Authority says it needs more than $2 billion to fix the problems over the next 20 years.

A lawyer who spoke with FOX 5 says the entire program must be revamped.
 

source http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/housing-conditions-place-the-health-of-some-dc-children-in-jeopardy