Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

By Libby White Johnston

KEEP CONTACT TO A MINIMUM

Protect your breathing with a respirator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says it must fit properly to be effective and recommends an N-95 respirator to avoid mold. Wear long gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt if you must clean and remove mold. Cover your eyes with goggles to keep from exposing them to mold or mold spores. See the story on page 56 for more details on utilizing a professional company to handle restoration work. There are some precautions you can take if working in an environment where there is mold: 1. 2. 4. 3.

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It’s important to remove mold when it is growing inside. The CDC recommends repairing leaks to prevent mold growth, keeping humidity levels low, and cleaning up within 24 to 48 hours after a flood. Dry out the house, open windows and doors, and use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture. Further, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) notes that reactions to mold may

drains away from a house, and keeping gutters clean to avoid leaks in the roof. See below for additional resources, and if you have any existing health issues that have the potential to be complicated by mold, discuss them with your health care provider. g

either happen immediately or can show up later with nasal congestion or worsening asthma over time. Outside of a disaster scenario, they suggest preventing mold in the home by using an exhaust fan in the bathroom during showers, checking windows for condensation, making sure water

Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency — epa.gov/mold | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — cdc.gov/mold/ | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America — aafa.org/mold-allergy/

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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