Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Pro Tips Must Know Mitigation and Remediation Efforts for Property Owners/Communities Indoor Air Quality: Source Control: Eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. Remove or reduce the source Seal or cover the source Modify the environment Improved Ventilation: Increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Dilute contaminants with outdoor air Isolate or remove contaminants by controlling air pressure relationships Dilute contaminants by increasing the flow of outdoor air Air Cleaners: Remove particles with air cleaners. Particulate filtration Penicillium Aspergillus Alternaria Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold) To prevent and get rid of mold: Keep your house clean and dry Fix water problems such as roof leaks, wet basements, and leaking pipes or faucets Make sure your home is well-ventilated, and always use ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens If possible, keep humidity in your house below 50% by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier Avoid using carpeting in areas of the home that may become wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements Dry floor mats regularly To find mold that might be growing in your home: Search for moisture in areas that have a damp or moldy smell, especially in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms Look for water stains or colored, fuzzy growth on and around ceilings, walls, floors, windowsills, and pipes If you smell a musty odor, search behind and underneath materials such as carpeting, furniture, or stored items Inspect kitchens, bathrooms and basements for standing water, water stains and patches of out-of- place color To control moisture problems and mold: Fix any water problems immediately and clean or remove wet materials, furnishings, or mold. Clean up spills or floods within 1 day. If practical, take wet furniture outside to dry and clean. Direct sunlight prevents mold growth. Dry all surfaces and fix the problem or leak to prevent further damage. Install a dehumidifier when a moisture problem is evident or when the humidity is high. Electrostatic precipitation Negative ion generation Gas sorption Mold: The most common indoor molds are: Cladosporium
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