Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. According to the National Weather Service, floods cause more damage in the U.S. than any other weather-related event. Flooding can occur anywhere, anytime, and often without warning.
While floodwaters may recede quickly, the damage they leave behind can last for weeks, months, or even years. One of the most serious and long-lasting effects of flooding is mold growth.
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist, damp environments. When floodwaters inundate a home or business, mold can quickly start to grow on wet surfaces. Mold spores are tiny and easily spread through the air, so even if the flooding was contained to one area, mold can quickly spread throughout the building.
Mold growth can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. In some cases, mold exposure can even be fatal. It’s important to act quickly if you suspect mold growth in your home or business after a flood.
If you see visible mold, do not try to remove it yourself. Disturbing mold can cause it to release spores into the air, which can cause health problems. Instead, call a professional mold remediation company. They will have the proper equipment and training to safely remove the mold and prevent it from coming back.
You should also call your insurance company to see if mold remediation is covered under your policy. In many cases, it is.
Flooding is a serious problem that can lead to mold growth and a variety of health problems. If you suspect mold in your home or business after a flood, call a professional mold remediation company to have it safely removed.
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/pdf/mold_fact_sheet.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf