Weather Magnet
Classifieds: Jobs | Homes | Wheels
Search Archives:
View Statewide Classifieds
eedition
from archives: News
Printable Version | E-mail | Comment (No comments posted.) | Rate | Text Size
State Warns Against Growth of Mold in Homes, Businesses


Wednesday, February 3, 2010 3:11 PM MST

After the series of storms that hit Arizona last week, the Arizona Department of Health Services and Arizona Division of Emergency Management encourage individuals and business owners to be aware of and take precautions against the growth of mold.

"Mold is a potential health risk after flooding. Spores can get into the walls and ceiling of your home or businesses, spread to other areas and cause real health problems," said Diane Eckles, chief of environmental health. "Those at greatest risk from exposure include infants and children, the elderly, people with asthma, and those with allergies or breathing conditions."

Symptoms of mold exposure include stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath and skin reactions. If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

If one's home or business has been exposed to excess moisture or standing water for an extended period of time, there is a strong possibility mold spores are present. People's first clue to mold infestation might be the sight of a discolored wall or ceiling, or a smell often characterized as "musty" or "earthy."

If mold is present, you should be quick, meticulous and careful in removing it. ADHS recommends scrubbing the area with a non-ammonia soap or detergent, and then disinfecting with a solution of bleach and water. People are reminded to take safety precautions when cleaning - wear a respirator, rubber gloves and eye protection to minimize contact with floating mold spores and disinfectant fumes.

The ADHS Office of Environmental Health has answered some frequently asked questions about with a "Mold in My House: What Do I Do?" fact sheet Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Environmental Health "Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet

Mold in My Home: What Do I Do?" - http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/invsurv/air_qual/pdf/moldfact.pdf . The fact sheet includes information about the detection of and health dangers posed by mold. There are also tips for how to clean up and prevent mold.


Article Rating
Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!Rate File:

Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of parkerpioneer.net.

Post A Comment

Member ID:
*Password:
 

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
E-mail Address:
Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

First Name:
Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
 

Comment Rules

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone and we reserve the right to withhold or remove any comment from publication.

Do not post:
    * Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
    * Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
    * Personal attacks, insults or threats.
    * The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
    * Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in parkerpioneer.net's story comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Parker Pioneer. Parker Pioneer provides an interactive computer service and does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Parker Pioneer Newspaper spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!

Stocks
Online Poll