Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

HEALTH & SAFETY FOCUS

What Water and Humidity Can Leave Behind

Torrential rains, plumbing problems, foundation damage, or drainage issues all can lead to flooding in a home. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declares flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. The Pew Charitable Trusts cited that federal flood insurance claims averaged $1.9 billion each year from 2006 to 2015. If you haven’t already, at some point you may

Mold is a microorganism that lives all around us. It can make its way inside the home via windows, doors, vents, shoes, clothes, or the family pet. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that mold is usually only problematic if the spores begin growing indoors where there is moisture. These places can include paper, wood, carpet, cardboard, ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, upholstery, and food. Indoor locations

such as bathrooms and basements, are the prime breeding grounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that mold may look like spots and have a strong, musty smell. They estimate there could be anywhere from tens of thousands to more than three hundred thousand species of fungi. Most of the time, the EPA does not find sampling to be necessary if visible growth is present.

with high humidity levels,

According to the CDC, here are a few of the ways being exposed to mold could affect your health: MOLD EFFECTS

1.

3.

Nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or even skin irritation.

Serious infection of the lungs can occur in people who have weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases.

2.

Reactions may be more severe for people who are allergic to mold, including fever

4.

Research on all of the ways it can impact

deal with mold in a customer’s home.

health is ongoing.

BIGSTOCK ©

or shortness of breath.

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