Uploaded June 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a guidance document to help homeowners and renters deal with mold cleanup after a flooding event. The document, Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters, provides helpful information about some of the hazards people may encounter after a flood and tips to protect those faced with mold and cleaning up the damage.
It recommends that those with property damage should wait to re-enter a home until professionals tell them it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards. It also suggests people contact their insurance company and take pictures of the home and belongings before starting any cleanup activities.
The document states that drying a home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold damage. If a home is flooded, and it, along with furnishings and other possessions are not dried out within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth should be assumed. The mold may be visible and there may be a moldy odor, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like carpet, cushions or walls.
Homeowners and renters are warned that exposure to mold can lead to asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Some types of mold can also lead to severe infections in people with weakened immune systems. In addition, flood water may have carried sewage or chemicals into the home. This could cause exposure risks to viruses, bacteria and other hazards, as well as mold.
Before entering a moldy site, the guide recommends:
• Protecting people from hazards ranging from electricity and gas leaks to keeping children and those with respiratory or immune issues away.
• Wearing at least an N-95 respirator.
• Protecting skin with gloves and eyes with goggles.
The document recommends people shower and change clothes after leaving a moldy site to prevent carrying mold and other possible hazards back to where they are currently staying. It also provides steps to dry and clean a property, but warns the job may be too difficult or dangerous and that help from an experienced and qualified professional may be needed.
These are just a few things to know about this guidance document and dealing with mold after a disaster. To learn more about this or other property damage, microbial, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a guidance document to help homeowners and renters deal with mold cleanup after a flooding event. The document, Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters, provides helpful information about some of the hazards people may encounter after a flood and tips to protect those faced with mold and cleaning up the damage.
It recommends that those with property damage should wait to re-enter a home until professionals tell them it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards. It also suggests people contact their insurance company and take pictures of the home and belongings before starting any cleanup activities.
The document states that drying a home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold damage. If a home is flooded, and it, along with furnishings and other possessions are not dried out within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth should be assumed. The mold may be visible and there may be a moldy odor, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like carpet, cushions or walls.
Homeowners and renters are warned that exposure to mold can lead to asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Some types of mold can also lead to severe infections in people with weakened immune systems. In addition, flood water may have carried sewage or chemicals into the home. This could cause exposure risks to viruses, bacteria and other hazards, as well as mold.
Before entering a moldy site, the guide recommends:
• Protecting people from hazards ranging from electricity and gas leaks to keeping children and those with respiratory or immune issues away.
• Wearing at least an N-95 respirator.
• Protecting skin with gloves and eyes with goggles.
The document recommends people shower and change clothes after leaving a moldy site to prevent carrying mold and other possible hazards back to where they are currently staying. It also provides steps to dry and clean a property, but warns the job may be too difficult or dangerous and that help from an experienced and qualified professional may be needed.
These are just a few things to know about this guidance document and dealing with mold after a disaster. To learn more about this or other property damage, microbial, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
