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Community Corner

In Aftermath of Flooding, Mold Concerns Grow

What mold means to your family and what you can do about it.

After watching Irene, Lee, and a series of nameless rainfalls-turned floods overtake records and local storm water safeguards, Manayunk and Roxborough residents can be forgiven for hoping the worst is over.

Not so fast says FEMA.

According to the federal agency that oversees disaster relief, when the water recedes it often leaves even nastier problem lurking behind: mold.

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The legacy of the 30-plus inches of rain the area received in the last two months, mold exposure can trigger a multitude of health problems, including:

  • Respiratory events (such as wheezing and asthma attacks)
  • Burning or watery eyes
  • Nose or throat irritations
  • Skin irritations such as rashes or hives
  • Nervous system disorders such as headaches, memory loss and mood changes

These symptoms can be especially pronounced in infants, children, and the elderly; people with compromised immune systems; pregnant women; and those with preexisting respiratory conditions.

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But despite the concerns raised by FEMA and others, some in the medical community maintain that the mold threat is overstated. Dr. Albert Rohr, an allergist in the Main Line Health system, is among them.

"For the average person who's not allergic to mold, most mold species are not dangerous," Rohr told Patch. "It doesn't smell great, but it's not really dangerous to their health."

Rohr, who acknowledged his practice has seen a slight uptick in volume after the wet season, said that outside of especially vulnerable populations, the group that actually carries the greatest risk of complications from mold exposure are the technicians who clean it professionally.

"But most people who aren't doing mold removal or remediation aren't going to be exposed to dangerous [enough] quantities to make them ill," Rohr said.

Dissension aside, health agencies are recommending homeowners err on the side of caution. For those faced with a mold problem, FEMA’s advice is simple: when in doubt, throw it out.

While wearing gloves and an N-95 respirator, FEMA encourages flood-affected families to complete the following cleanup steps.

  • Eliminate the source the source of the moisture
  • Dispose of porous materials that already have mold growth (i.e. carpets, drywall, ceiling tiles)
  • Thoroughly clean non-porous materials (glass, ceramic, metal and plastic), with a solution of household bleach, soap or detergent, and water. Use no more than 1 ½ cups of bleach per gallon of water
  • Wash down walls, floors and other mold contaminated areas with bleach (When using bleach remember to wear rubber gloves and other protective clothing including goggles and air filter masks, make sure the area is well ventilated, and never mix chlorine liquids (bleach) and ammonia)
  • Remove damaged wallboard at least two feet above the water line
  • Change heating and air conditioning filters. Have ductwork inspected by a professional
  • Monitor the area for new mold growth and signs of moisture

For mold growths that are especially pronounced, both FEMA and the CDC recommend calling in professionals.

FastPro Restoration offers mold inspection and water damage removal services in the Philadelphia region and beyond. They can be reached 24 hours a day at 610-948-5565 and general manager Christopher Riccardi says he can usually get a technician on-site within 90 minutes of the call.

Riccardi told Patch that if a homeowner has comprehensive flood insurance Fast Pro will bill the provider directly, while for homeowners without insurance they offer free inspection and a price reduction of as much as 50 percent.

"The price itself varies a lot," said Riccardi. "I've had jobs that cost $900 and jobs that cost $29,000."

Craig Camel, president of Advanced Mold Diagnostics (610-649-1861), provides a similar service but with a slightly different model: AMD charges, on average, $500 for inspections, but while they arrange for repairs, they don't perform remediations themselves. This separation, Camel says, gives them objectivity.

"We're not trying to sell anyone anything. We'll take samples, send them to the lab, and tell you what we think," said Camel, who, like Rohr, views mold concerns as overblown. "I can arrange for the cleanup, or, if someone wants, I can tell them how to do it themselves. They can save a significant amount of money."

Other firms that offer mold remediation and diagnostics to homes and businesses in Manayunk and Roxborough include:

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