Health hazards and prevention measures for mold and dampness after storms or floods
Citation: Johanning E, Auger P, Morey PR, et al. Review of health hazards and prevention measures for response and recovery workers and volunteers after natural disasters, flooding, and water damage: mold and dampness. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 2014;19:93-99.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: Yes.
Funding sources: Nothing noted.
What is this? In this review, the authors critically appraised a specialty conference in 2013 and searched for literature on exposure to fungi and bacteria after hurricanes or floods. No additional search details or restrictions were reported.
What was found: Damp buildings and materials are prone to fungal and bacterial infestation. During demolition and remediation work, airborne concentrations of fungi or fungal fragments can rise substantially, particularly after hurricanes, typhoons, or storms. Workers may be exposed to fungi through inhalation or skin contact, which can cause infections, allergic reactions, or irritant-toxic disorders.
Implications: The authors of the review stated that special precautions and clean-up procedures should be considered. Recovery and response workers should use personal protective equipment. The increase in moisture following storms or floods should be addressed immediately, because mold growth occurs within 48 hours. Source removal, cleaning with soap and water, and bulk removal followed by high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuuming is recommended.
Other considerations: The authors of the review did not discuss their findings in the context of issues relating to health equity.
This summary was prepared by Briann Mensour, checked by Jawaria Karim, and finalized by William Summerskill.