Homes and businesses that flooded earlier this month now face a new threat. Fungus. The Vermont Health Department says that if your building did not dry out completely within 24 to 48 hours after the water receded, assume you have mold growing. For a WCAX Health Watch on July 26, reporter Christina Guessferd spoke to Robert Brown, co-owner of Green Home Solutions.
Brown said, “People have actually done a great deal of the drying-out work.” His company has been conducting an average of 10 inspections per day in central Vermont and helping people effectively evaporate moisture by improving air circulation and reducing humidity.
Brown is encouraged by the outpouring of volunteers that have been showing up and tearing out drywall and pulling up carpet, strategies that he said are paramount to staving off mold growth. His company then follows to help “detail” the property, which includes isolating infected areas to prevent cross-contamination.
Brown cautions blowing fans on spots where mold has already formed will only spread the spores. He also strongly urges people to always wear protective equipment, including goggles, gloves, and high-grade face masks, in contaminated areas while you wait for a cleaning specialist.
Click here to find local mold remediation specialists.
