Germs found in moldy water damaged buildings.

Germs found in moldy water damaged buildings.

By: http://healthfinder.gov
Shared By: Elite Water Damage Inc.
Like us on FaceBook
more blogs by us

FRIDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Two specific strains of bacteria that appear linked to indoor mold caused by water damage have been identified by researchers.

Bacterial contamination in water-damaged buildings can cause health problems such as infection and respiratory conditions such as asthma. But until now, no specific bacteria that contribute to these problems have been pinpointed, making it difficult for public health officials to find ways to tackle the problem.

In a new study, University of Cincinnati researchers found evidence linking two types of bacteria --Stenotrophomonas and Mycobacterium -- to indoor mold from water damage.

The team made their findings after analyzing samples collected from 42 homes participating in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study, a federal government-funded project examining the long-term effects of environmental exposures on children's respiratory health and allergy development.

Elite Water Damage and Restoration Inc.
by EPA . Gov
Shared By Elite Water Damage
Like us on FaceBook

more blogs by us

Water damage Cleanup - Water damage removal - Basement Water Cleanup

Professional Cleaning and Restoration Services

We are not happy until you are!
Call Today 1-855-ELITE-83 | PA.NJ.DE

Flood Damage Cleanup, Flood damage restoration, Flood Repair

Hidden Mold in Your House!

Suspicion of hidden mold

Mold growing on the back side of wallpaper.

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Elite Water Damage and Restoration Inc.
Shared By Elite Water Damage
Like us on FaceBook
more blogs by us

Professional Cleaning and Restoration Services

We are not happy until you are!
Call Today 1-855-ELITE-83 | PA.NJ.DE

Flood Damage Cleanup, Flood damage restoration, Flood Repair

Health Concerns Associated with Mold in Water-Damaged Homes After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita --- New Orleans Area, Louisiana

Housing Assessment for Mold and Mold Exposure

During October 22--28, a team representing CDC and LDHH assessed a cross-section of the 440,269 households in the four-parish area (on the basis of the 2000 U.S. Census). Sampling was restricted to blocks with more than 20 housing units (areas with fewer housing units are likely to be sparsely populated and to contain mostly industrial buildings or parks) and areas where residents were permitted entry, yielding 239,949 potential households (Figure). Blocks were classified into three strata (mild, moderate, and severe) on the basis of Federal Emergency Management Agency flood and damage maps. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping software was used to select a random number of waypoints (latitude and longitude) proportionate for each stratum (1). A sample size of 88 homes was required to obtain estimates within 10% accuracy. Global positioning system (GPS) units were used to locate each waypoint as the random starting point to locate the nearest home at or north of the waypoint.

In the sampled areas, 141 homes were found to be occupied. A questionnaire on demographics, home occupancy, and participation in remediation activities was administered to one consenting adult from 113 of the 141 homes in which someone was in the home. One assessment was abandoned for safety reasons, resulting in a final sample of 112. A standard instrument designed for this study and pilot-tested with occupants of flood-damaged homes was used to visually assess water damage and mold growth. Air samples were collected at a subset of 20 homes; samples were collected for 36--144 minutes with 0.4 µm, 37 mm polycarbonate closed-faced cassettes at 3 L/min. The filters were analyzed for culturable fungi, (1®3,1®6)-b-D-glucan (a cell-wall component of many fungi) (2), and endotoxin (a cell-wall component of gram-negative bacteria) (3).

Of 112 homes inspected (Table), flood levels had been high (>6 feet) in 21 (18.8%) homes, medium (3--6 feet) in 19 (17.0%), and low (<3 feet) in 72 (64.3%) (including 44 [39.3%] homes with no flooding). Seventy-six (67.9%) homes had roof damage with water leakage. Visible mold growth occurred in 51 (45.5%) homes, and 19 (17.0%) had heavy mold coverage (>50% coverage on interior wall of most-affected room). The distribution of homes with heavy mold coverage was 10 (52.6%), seven (36.8%), and two (10.5%) in high, medium, and low flood areas, respectively.

Participants reported being indoors doing heavy cleaning an average of 13 hours since the hurricanes (range: 0--84 hours) and 15 hours doing light cleaning (range: 0--90 hours). Sixty-eight (60.7%) participants reported inhabiting their homes overnight for an average of 25 (standard deviation: +13.7) nights since the hurricanes.

Indoor air samples were collected nonrandomly at 20 (16%) homes; outdoor air samples were also collected for 11 of these homes. Predominant fungi indoors and outdoors were Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. Geometric mean (1®3,1®6)-b-D-glucan air levels were 1.6 µg/m3 (geometric standard deviation [GSD]: 4.4) indoors and 0.9 µg/m3 (GSD: 2.0) outdoors; endotoxin levels were 23.3 EU/m3 (GSD: 5.6) indoors and 10.5 EU/m3 (GSD: 2.5) outdoors. Glucan and endotoxin levels were significantly correlated (correlation coefficient r = 0.56; p = 0.0095). The geometric mean glucan and endotoxin levels were higher indoors compared with outdoors but the differences were not statistically significant.

Survey of Residents and Workers Regarding Mold

Elite Water Damage and Restoration Inc.
by Flood Ready.Gov
Shared By Elite Water Damage
Like us on FaceBook
more blogs by us

After the Flood and Water Damage is left

Your home has been flooded. Although flood waters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:

Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available.
Avoid moving water.
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.


Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.
Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Elite Water Damage and Restoration

How can mold be prevented?

• After the water damage' The best way is to cleanup water and moisture sources. Fixing leaks, drying damp areas, and removing humidity from the air (e.g., using a dehumidifier in basements; cracking a window while taking a shower in bathrooms with no exhaust ventilation) will help stop mold growth and keep it from coming back.

How can I safely cleanup mold in my home?

• Use soap and water to clean small areas of mold (less than 10 square feet) on walls or other hard surfaces as soon as you see it. • Wear waterproof gloves. • Dry the cleaned area completely. • If the mold returns quickly or spreads, there may be an underlying problem such as a water leak. To stop mold, water problems must be fixed. • If large areas of mold are present, you may need a professional mold abatement company. Check the phone book for mold abatement contractors.

Professional Cleaning and Restoration Services

We are not happy until you are!
Call Today 1-855-ELITE-83 | PA.NJ.DE

Elite Water Damage and Restoration

What are the health effects of mold?

• Some people are allergic to molds. • Mold exposure may cause or worsen asthma symptoms, hay fever, or other allergies. • The most common symptoms of mold exposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, and trouble breathing. Symptoms usually disappear after the mold contamination is removed. • More severe reactions to mold may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of mold on the job, such as farmers working with moldy hay. Should I see a doctor if I have been exposed to mold? • If you think that you or your children have symptoms related to mold exposure, you should see a doctor. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure are also caused by many other illnesses.

What is mold?

• Mold (mildew), mushrooms, and yeast are all types of fungi. Fungi are found both indoors and outdoors. • Hundreds of different kinds of mold are commonly found in the United States and New York City. Elite Water Damage

Shared by Elite Water Damage and Restoration Inc.

Visit Elite Water Damage on Face Book

Flood Cleanup

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Children’s Environmental Health Resources Where You Live

Region 3: Children’s Environmental Health in the Mid-Atlantic States
Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health hazards in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

• EPA Region 3 Children's Health Web Site: Learn about environmental issues that may affect children in the Mid-Atlantic. EPA Region 3’s children’s health coordinator is Prentiss Ward (ward.prentiss@epa.gov) at (215) 814-2813.



• Mid-Atlantic Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit : Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In Region 3, the PEHSU is The Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health & Environment .

Region 4: Children’s Environmental Health in the Southeast

Children make up 25% of the population in Region 4. Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health hazards in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and 6 Tribal Nations.

• EPA Region 4 Children's Health Web Site: Learn about environmental issues that may affect children in the southeast. EPA Region 4’s children’s health coordinator is Wayne Garfinkel (garfinkel.wayne@epa.gov) at (404) 562-8982.



• Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit : Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In the Southeast, the PEHSU is The Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit .

Region 5: Children’s Environmental Health in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin

Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health hazards in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 35 Tribal Nations.

• EPA Region 5 Children's Health Web Site: Learn about environmental issues that may affect children in this region. EPA Region 5’s children’s health coordinator is Maryann Suero (suero.maryann@epa.gov) at (312) 886-9077.



• Region 5 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit : Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In Region 5, the PEHSU is the Great Lakes Center for Children’s Environmental Health . An affiliated site is the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Pediatric Environmental Health and Lead Clinic .

Region 6: Children’s Environmental Health in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and 65 Indian Tribes

In the Southwest, over 21 percent of the population is children under the age of 14. Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health hazards in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and 65 Indian Tribes.

• EPA Region 6 Children's Health Web Site: Learn about environmental issues that may affect children in the region. EPA Region 6’s children’s health coordinator is Paula Selzer (selzer.paula@epa.gov) at (214) 665-6663.



• Southwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit : Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In the Southwest, the PEHSU is the Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health .

Region 7: Children’s Environmental Health in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and 9 Tribal Nations

Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health hazards in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and nine Tribal Nations.

• EPA Region 7’s children’s health coordinator is Latonya Sanders (sanders.latonya@epa.gov) at (913) 551-7555.



• Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit: Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In Mid-America, the PEHSU is the Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit.

Region 8: Children’s Environmental Health in Mountain & Plains States

Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health hazards in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and 27 Tribal Nations.

• EPA Region 8 Children's Health Web Site: Learn about environmental issues that may affect children in the Mountain and Plains States. EPA Region 8’s children’s health coordinator is Alicia Aalto (aalto.alicia@epa.gov) at (303) 312-6967.



• Mountain & Plains States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit : Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In Mountain and Plains States, the PEHSU is the Rocky Mountain Region Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit .

Cleaning the building’s air ducts -Share by Elite Water Damage and Restoration

Elite Water Damage cleanup, Fire damage,smoke damage,fire damage repair,fire damage cleanup,smoke damage repair,smoke damage cleanup,ice damage,snow damage,Philadelphia,PA,Pennsylvania,Bucks County,Chester County,Delaware County,Montgomery County,Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Water,Damage,restoration

Visit Elite Water Damage and Restoration on Google Places

Philadelphia Elite Water Damage and Restoration

Visit us on Face Book

Cleaning the building’s air ducts 

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems (13).  The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building.   All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the duct work or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced (1, 8, 13). Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Know the Children’s Environmental Health Resources Where You Live!

Philadelphia-Elite-water-damage-cleanup | Mold-Remediation | Philadelphia-Water-Damage-Restoration | Black Mold Removal
Water-Damage-Restoration-Black-Mold-Restoration

Shared By Elite Water Damage and Restoration Inc.
Visit us on Face Book

From EPA.Gov 

Know the Children’s Environmental Health Resources Where You Live!

Children’s Environmental Health in New England

There are more than three million children living in New England who may be affected by environmental hazards. Choose from the resources below to learn about children’s environmental health resources in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and 10 Tribal Nations.

• EPA Region 1 Children's Health Web Site: Learn about environmental issues that may affect children in New England. EPA Region 1’s children’s health coordinator is Kathleen Nagle (nagle.kathleen@epa.gov) at (617) 918-1985.



• New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit : Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) offer local health care providers and parents access to pediatric environmental health expertise. In New England, the PEHSU is Children’s Hospital Boston .