The information presented here was extracted from URL http://www.lungusa.org/air/air00_flood.html which was presented by the Nation Lung Association.

FLOOD CLEAN UP

WHY IS FLOODING AN INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEM?

Flood waters and the dirt they carry may pose special problems for the thousands of people with existing lung disease. Standing water remaining from any flood is a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and be inhaled, putting people at risk for lung disease. Even when the flooding is due to a fairly clean source, such as rain water, the growth of these microorganisms can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The greatest health risk for the general public may come from water-borne bacteria; however, the dirt and mold left behind after the water recedes is of special concern to those with preexisting lung disease.

Damp houses and furnishings promote mold growth, which can aggravate asthma and allergies. After a flood, dust residue and sediment can be inhaled during clean up efforts, which also add to lung disease complications.

The physical stress of dealing with the flood may also put a strain on people who are already ill or the elderly, providing an opportunity for respiratory infections and other sicknesses to arise.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Drying everything in a home after a flood is imperative. Excess moisture in the home poses an indoor air quality concern for the following reasons:

Areas with this high level humidity and moist materials provide an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms, which could result in additional health hazards such as allergic reactions.

Coming into contact with air or water that contains these microorganisms can make a person sick.

Long-term high levels of humidity can foster growth of dust mites, which are a major trigger of allergic reactions and asthma.

Although the drying process can take a long time, homeowners should be patient because it is necessary to keep a home air quality healthy. Some household items may take longer than others to dry, such as upholstered furniture and carpets. To avoid growth of microorganisms, however, household items should be dried completely before they are brought back into the house.

During and after the drying process OdorXit AQM-ClO2 can be used to kill any microorganisms that are present provided the air flow in and out of the area being treated is restricted during treatment. OdorXit AQM (Air Quality Manager) ClO2 packets produce a vapor that will oxidize and kill mold fungus, mold spores, bacteria and a wide range of other organic source odors. If the Fast Release version of the product is used, the area should not be inhabited by humans or domesticated pets for 24 hours. The Slow Release version takes longer to get kill the microorganisms but the levels of ClO2 are far below the levels that will harm pets or humans-therefore they can stay in the area for long periods of time.

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