FEMA Officials on the Lookout for Mold in Illinois

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Last week teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) arrived in Southern Illinois to begin a preliminary assessment of damage to homes and businesses from the recent flooding.  Many of these soaked structures already have visible mold growth that has area residents concerned.

According to an Illinois Department of Public Health Fact Sheet, “As molds grow, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. People who inhale large numbers of spores may get sick. Possible health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to clean up molds in indoor environments.”  The document goes on to state, “Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who have touched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching (dermatitis). Molds can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to molds, causing wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. A disease like pneumonia may also develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon.”

One mold that is sure to be an issue for many residents of the flooded properties is Stachybotrys chartarum.   It is a greenish-black mold that can be found in properties with water damage or highly elevated humidity levels.   It can grow on common materials found in buildings that contain a high cellulose and low nitrogen content.  These include items such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper and many materials found in buildings.  

“Mold growing in homes and buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds, indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture,” reported Ed Chambers, President of EC2, an Illinois based environmental consulting firm.  “When extensive mold growth is found it is important to have it remediated properly to prevent making the current situation worse. Testing before any remediation work begins provides information about the types and amount of fungi present.  This information can then be compared with post remediation testing to ensure that the space has been thoroughly remediated and is clean enough to allow humans to once again safely occupy the space,” he continued.

EC2 recently cosponsored a public outreach video on Stachybotrys that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGk2_jj6VH8



To learn more about mold, indoor air quality and environmental testing services please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.