Devastating floods are leaving a mess – and dangerous mould.
Mould thrives in warm, damp environments and can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, says National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and GP Dr Joel Ten.
He says it’s critical that mould isn’t left to grow unchecked in homes or workplaces after the floods have receded.
“Reducing the amount of moisture as soon as possible is the best way to control mould growth, so do a thorough clean and open all the doors and windows to dry out the area as quickly as possible. If you can, use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the process,” he says.
Dr Ten says it’s important to eliminate the source of mould growth, as well as cleaning visible mould, to stop it from regrowing.
“Unfortunately, bleach will remove visible mould but won’t kill the spores underneath and it may also irritate sensitive noses.
“We recommend that everything that has been touched by floodwaters will need to go and this includes soft furnishings like carpets, floor underlays, mattresses, cushions and couches and if in doubt, throw it out.
“Depending on the extent of the flooding, some residents may be able to remove visible mould on hardwood furnishings by cleaning with naturally fermented white vinegar solution or other mould-reduction cleaners.
“However … mould can grow in places we don’t even think to look – walls, clothes, books and toys, so anything that has touched floodwater should ideally be removed and discarded safely.”.
Tips from the National Asthma Council Australia:
• Dry or remove wet carpets and furnishings as soon as you can.
• Be ruthless with the clean out, if possible – hidden damp can cause ongoing problems.
• Consider using a dehumidifier to help dry out the space.
• Remove any visible mould by cleaning with naturally fermented white vinegar solution.
• Keep an eye out for mould in the unflooded areas of the house.
• Cleaning can be a challenge for people with asthma and allergies, so look out for sensitive household cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals and no fragrances.
• If you have concerns about asthma for yourself or a family member, see your health professional.
Are you battling with mould? What has been working for you?
.
