HANNIBAL, MO. -- As if all the damage to people's homes wasn't enough, the flood victims in Hannibal have a new problem. Mold is not hard to find when you combine flood water and hot weather, which we've had both of this week. Mold needs moisture and a food source. If you've had to leave your home because of the flash floods, you might find mold when you return...and it's a health risk to you and your family.
One way to recognize mold is by sight, are the walls discolored, or are there signs of mold growth and water damage? Another warning sign is smell, is there a bad odor, or musty stench? Mold can give you a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, cause wheezing, or skin irritation. But there are also long term effects from exposure to mold.
"You can come down with a respiratory infection, that kind of thing. if you are ill and start having some problems breathing or have some difficulty respiratory wise or are just not feeling well, you should see a physician especially if you've had exposure to it," said Marion County Health Department Administrator Jean McBride.
So what do you do if you find mold in your house?
First you need to get rid of whatever you can't wash in HOT water. This includes carpet, mattresses, and rugs. Also remove drywall and insulation that has been contaminated.
Use bleach to clean mold off hard things like floors, stoves, and countertops. If the surface of the item is rough, scrub the surface with a stiff brush. Make sure you rinse everything afterwards, and then leave the item or items to dry.
Also, never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, and wear rubber boots, gloves, goggles, and a mask.
For more information you can go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.
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