Compiled by FEMA

You should exercise caution when removing mold from flood-damaged homes.

Mold spores are always present, but the excessive moisture left by floods and warm weather cause spores to germinate.

While mold is sometimes difficult to detect, often it can be seen or smelled. Sometimes mold appears in the form of splotchy discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. If moisture has seeped into a wall, mold may leach from plaster. Its odor is earthy or musty.

When a large amount of mold is present, it can trigger allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and other respiratory problems. In addition, exposure can cause development of an allergy to mold, resulting in long-term problems. People with asthma or pulmonary problems and those who are allergic to mold are especially vulnerable to mold related illness.

Mold can also cause structural damage. When wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak. Mold can also ruin paper and fabric.

The basic rule is: If mold can be seen or smelled, steps should be taken to eliminate the excess moisture at its source and to clean up and remove the mold. Because inhaling mold spores can cause illness, caution should be practiced.

The first step in the cleanup process is to identify the source of moisture and try to stop it. Then clean, disinfect and dry the moldy area.

Use non-ammonia soap or detergent and hot water or a commercial cleaner. Thoroughly scrub all contaminated surfaces with the soap or detergent (Use a stiff brush to clean masonry walls.) Rinse all objects with clean water. Moist, fibrous materials and stagnant water provide the ideal environment for mold growth. Molds can infiltrate dry wall, carpeting and insulation. These materials generally should be discarded if they become saturated.

After cleaning, apply a disinfectant solution of household bleach to the surface (one or two cups bleach per gallon of water). The bleach solution can be applied with a garden sprayer or wiped on with a sponge or rag. Be sure to wet the studs, wall cavities and floors thoroughly. After removing any excess bleach with a wet-dry vacuum, allow the bleach solution to dry naturally for six to eight hours.

The bleach solution should not be removed or dried quickly because extended contact time is important.

When cleaning up mold, the following precautions should be taken:

Never mix bleach with ammonia because the fumes are toxic. Use respiratory protection when working around mold. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when working with bleach. Ventilate the area well by opening doors and windows. Clean-up kits and additional information about mold abatement are available by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-GET-INFO (1-800-438-4636).