Mold Hazards During Flood Restoration
Flood restoration work is
difficult and dangerous.
In addition to the risk posed by mold damage itself, these other
hazards may be present.
* Heat stroke is a hazard for renovation
crews. They wear hot Tyvek suits and respirators, and often have no air
conditioning.
* Fire may occur in a flooded building
due to the use of electric tools, welding / cutting torches and
propane-powered tools.
* Slips, trips and falls are likely in
muddy, slippery, waterlogged surfaces. Cuts from the falls may become
severely infected.
* Lead fumes can be released while
workers cut old plumbing piping for removal.
* Asbestos is a hazardous material
present in tens of thousands of buildings. It is easily disturbed and
made friable during demolition of a flooded structure.
* Confined spaces are
inherently risky, and may contain chemicals and fumes, as well as the
possibility of entrapment and fire.
However, flood restoration must preceed quickly in order to
minimize mold damage to buildings and their contents.