Blog post courtesy of BBJ Environmental. See the original post here
The harsh reality of flooding is apparent with last weeks hurricane hitting the Texas and Louisiana coasts. The power and devastation of water can wipe out entire neighborhoods. Simply amazing…and heartbreaking.
By Dupondt - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4016859
However, once the flood waters recede another hazard will rear its ugly head almost immediately. This is fungal and bacterial growth.
Mold is all around us at all times. Areas with humidity and warmth will create breeding grounds for mold and mildew to form. This growth can cause permanent damage to household and commercial items as well as cause respiratory distress.
However controlling mold growth can be accomplished with a tried and true process.
1. Eliminate the source of dampness. This means thoroughly removing all standing water and using moving air to dry all other surfaces and materials.
2. Kill any bacterial and fungal growth. Use an EPA registered antibacterial and fungicidal to clean all surfaces make sure to read all directions as some cleaners will work better than others. This is a very important step.
3. Control mold growth by applying a mold control agent. Again, make sure these are EPA registered mold control solutions and that they are safe for use while buildings are inhabited.
4. Use an odor control agent to manage any residual odor caused by bacterial growth that may have occurred.
Following these rules will provide for the best results in removing and controlling mold after flooding. However, please make sure to call a certified professional if information needs for mold removal.
And also, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
If you are interested in any of the BBJ products that can help, here’s a quick list.
MMR-II – Mold and Mildew remover This is a powerful EPA registered disinfectant that kills mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Mold Control for Floors and Surfaces – This is an EPA registered mold growth control agent that can be applied while building spaces are inhabited.
FreshDuct – Odor management solution