Mold & Mud Toxicity

Mud Toxins

10/3: The fire department has confirmed that mud has hazmat toxins in it. You must wear gloves and masks! Be careful-not a good time to need the hospital. (From Hall Fletcher Neighborhood listserv) SMART to assume mud in the entire area is affected.

CLICK HERE for dangerous mud and water safety handling practices

Hazardous Material Reporting  

If you come across hazardous materials in your area following the flooding from Hurricane Helene, please report them immediately by emailing ncdwmspills@deq.nc.gov. Provide pertinent information including location, description of item and pictures. If possible, take clear photos of the items and their surroundings to aid in proper identification and removal.

Mold Alert

If your home has suffered water damage from Hurricane Helene, it’s vital to understand the risks of mold and mildew. These fungi can develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure and continue to grow until moisture sources are addressed, leading to damage and health risks.

Mold thrives on:

• Wood
• Carpets
• Food
• It reproduces by spores that spread through the air, increasing the potential for health issues.
• If your home has experienced water damage due to:
• Flooding
• Sewage backup
• Plumbing or roof leaks
• Damp basements or crawl spaces
• Sink or bathtub overflows
• High humidity (from steam cooking, dryer vents, humidifiers)

You should:

• Inspect and assess your home for signs of mold and mildew.
• Act quickly to address any moisture issues.
• Dry out and clean up mold damage following proper remediation procedures.
• Control and prevent mold growth by managing moisture levels in your home.
• Remember, while you can’t eliminate all molds and spores indoors, you can take steps to limit their growth.

For more information on mold and mildew awareness, check out: FEMA Mold Brochure here: https://ow.ly/kNHZ50TKkjh and refer to local resources or your health department. Let’s keep our homes safe and healthy!

Cleaning Up Safely After a Disaster

Ensure you have the right safety gear: hard hats, goggles, N95 Masks, heavy work gloves, waterproof boots with steel toe and insole, earplugs if working with noisy equipment, and at least two fire extinguishers. Safety Guidelines Here

Protecting Your Respiratory Health During Disaster Clean-Up

Mold can cause many health effects. Protect your lungs from mold by wearing a respirator while cleaning up your flooded home. If there is mold in your home (or you suspect that mold growth has occurred), protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold by wearing at least a disposable, NIOSH-approved N-95 filtering facepiece respirator (often called an “N-95 respirator” or “N-95 mask”).

Do not use ovens, burners, grills to heat indoor spaces. Generators should operate only outside of a home and away from open doors, windows and vents by at least 20 feet. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide: headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, loss of consciousness. Seek fresh air immediately and contact 911 if you need medical assistance. Be sure your carbon monoxide alarms are working. Safety Guidelines Here.