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Take care of your health when trying to save things that are contaminated with mold
Media Relations:
Wendy Jackson, public information specialist
chd64pio@flhealth.gov
Volusia County, Ft. –The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is urging residents in flooded areas to follow safety guidelines to protect their health while cleaning up water-damaged homes and businesses.
“It’s important for residents to remember how to handle mold-infested items when cleaning their homes,” said Environmental Health Administrator Robert Maglivas. “Mold-contaminated items can cause infections or allergies in some individuals.”
Mold-infested items should be thoroughly dried and cleaned before being returned to the living area.
- DOH-Volusia recommends the following safety guidelines for salvaging mold-contaminated items:
- Mold destroys the growing material over time. Mold should be removed as soon as possible.
- Consider hiring a water damage restoration or mold remediation professional if you have multiple water-damaged items that you want to save or mold contamination over 100 square feet.
- If you have salvageable items Wet But you You will not see moldinstructions by Table 1 It is recommended.
- Hey you Look for mold on salvageable itemsinstructions by Table 2 It is recommended.
- When handling potentially contaminated materials, use an N-95 respirator, gloves, and goggles. People with mold-related allergies, asthma, or immunocompromised patients should not handle potentially contaminated items.
- If you develop any health symptoms that you suspect may be related to a salvaged item in your home, please consult your physician immediately and have an unaffected family member remove the item from the living area.
For more information about indoor air quality and mold growth, contact the Florida Department of Health-Volusia at (386) 274-0694 or the Florida Department of Health’s Indoor Air Toxics Hotline at (850) 245-4288. You can also visit the US Environmental Protection Agency’s indoor air quality website at http://www.epa.gov/mold/
Table 1: Salvage of items with no visible mold growth[1]
| Water damaged material | Actions |
| Books and papers |
|
| clothing |
|
| Carpet and backing – dry in 24-48 hours |
|
| Roof tiles | |
| Cellulose and fiberglass insulation | |
| Concrete or cinder block areas |
|
| Solid floor, porous floor (linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl) |
|
| Non-porous, solid surface (plastic, metal) |
|
| Covered furniture |
|
| Window curtains |
|
| Wood surfaces |
|
Table 2: Prevention of mold growth caused by rainwater[2]
Material or furniture is damaged | Cleaning method |
Books and paper | Once the item or material is dry, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to remove mold from the surface. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Remove items that cannot be removed from mold in a sealed bag and dispose of them as normal waste. For items of high sentimental or financial value, consult a water damage or restoration professional. |
clothing | Wash or dry-clean garments according to manufacturer’s instructions. If the mold stain or smell does not come out of the garment, remove it. |
Carpets and rugs (less than 10 square feet) | Once the item or material is dry, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to remove mold from the surface. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Remove items that cannot be removed from mold in a sealed bag and dispose of them as normal waste. |
Carpets and rugs (between 10-100 square feet) Or Carpet and flooring (less than 10 square feet where storm-related odors cannot be eliminated) | Keep the item in sealed plastic, remove it from construction in a well-sealed plastic bag and dispose of it as normal waste. After removal, vacuum the dry surface area covered by the HEPA filter. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. |
Concrete or cinder block | After the material is dry, it should be vacuumed with HEPA. If vacuuming does not remove the mold, additional cleaning with soap and water, then drying and cleaning again is recommended. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. |
Ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum | Wash surfaces with dirty water or soapy water until visible mold is removed. Allow the floor to dry and then HEPA vacuum. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. |
Wood and laminate floors | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. If there are no recommendations, use wood cleaner. Remove as needed until visible growth is removed. Allow surface to dry and then HEPA vacuum floor. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. |
Non-perforated (wooden, plastic and metal) furniture | Plastic and Metal: Clean surfaces with wastewater or water-based cleaner until visible mold is removed. Allow surface to dry and then HEPA vacuum floor. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Method 5 for wooden items: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. If there are no recommendations, use wood cleaner. Remove as needed until visible growth is removed. Allow surface to dry and then HEPA vacuum floor. Vacuum debris as usual in a tightly sealed plastic bag. |
Upholstered furniture and curtains | Consult a professional water damage restoration professional. Place broken items in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of as normal waste if the item cannot be cleaned. |
Wallboard (drywall, plaster) | Place damaged items in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of them. |
[1]These guidelines are adapted from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s document “Mold Remediation in Schools.”
[2]These guidelines were developed from the United States Environmental Protection Agency document “Mold Remediation in Schools and
About the Florida Department of Health
Florida Department of Health, statewide at Public Health Accreditation BoardIt works through coordinated state, county and community efforts to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida.
Follow us. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at@HealthyVolusia. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
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