Q: We've had widespread power outages, flooding and days of heavy rain in Northwest Indiana. Should residents be concerned about mold?
A: Yes. Whenever homes, basements, crawl spaces or other buildings remain damp after flooding or water damage, mold can begin growing quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. The recent storms across Northwest Indiana created ideal conditions for mold growth, especially in homes that lost power, experienced flooding or struggled to dry out completely after the rain.
Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist environments. It can grow on drywall, carpeting, furniture, insulation, wood, ceiling tiles and other household materials. Sometimes mold is obvious, appearing as black, green, white or fuzzy patches. Other times, the only clue is a musty odor.
Q: What symptoms can mold cause?
A: Mold affects people differently. For individuals with allergies, mold exposure can trigger:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy, watery eyes
- coughing
- postnasal drip
- skin irritation
People with asthma may experience worsening symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems may face more serious health risks.
Q: How do I know if mold is making me sick?
A: If your symptoms worsen when you are at home, in a flooded building or in areas that smell musty, mold could be a contributing cause. Mold allergies often resemble seasonal allergy symptoms, which can make them difficult to distinguish. However, persistent symptoms after water damage or flooding deserve attention.
Anyone experiencing severe breathing problems, worsening asthma symptoms or persistent respiratory issues should contact a healthcare professional.
Q: What should homeowners do after flooding or water damage?
A: The most important step is drying your home as quickly as possible. Public health experts recommend removing standing water and thoroughly drying affected materials within 24 to 48 hours if possible. Materials that remain wet for extended periods of time often develop mold growth.
In situations where carpeting, drywall, insulation or upholstered furniture have been soaked and cannot be thoroughly dried, they may need to be removed and replaced.
Q: Is it safe to clean mold myself?
A: Small areas of mold can often be cleaned by homeowners, but safety is essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing gloves, eye protection and at least an N95 respirator when cleaning mold. People with asthma, mold allergies, chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems should avoid participating in mold cleanup if possible.
For extensive mold growth or major flood damage, professional remediation may be necessary.
Q: What's the bottom line for Northwest Indiana residents?
A: Following storms, flooding and power outages, mold is not just a nuisance. It can become a significant health issue, especially for people with allergies and asthma. If your home experienced water damage, don't ignore dampness or musty odors. Acting quickly to dry affected areas and address mold growth can help protect your family's health and prevent more costly repairs down the road.
Julia Thomas, MD, is an otolaryngologist with Powers Health Medical Group. Her office is located at 10240 Calumet Ave., Munster.
