Repost of Star Ledger Article- Mold Warning Post Sandy

Officials warn Hurricane Sandy victims of mold, asbestos, lead paint

MaryAnn Spoto/The Star-Ledger
Published: Dec 18, 2012, 6:30 AM

TRENTON — As residents and business owners start to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, state and federal officials are trying to get one message out loud and clear: Beware of hidden health hazards.

At a forum Monday to discuss the health impacts the storm can have on New Jerseyans, the representatives said mold, asbestos and lead paint are of particular concern because of all the do-it-yourselfers who don’t know what they’re doing.

"These are issues that can affect workers, residents that are living in homes and tenants, and also volunteers who are graciously donating their time and their energy to clean up their communities," said Judith Enck, regional administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency. "We want to make sure that as the clean up is occurring that there are not problems with exposure to mold, exposure to lead, exposure to asbestos."

Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, particularly among those who do not wear the appropriate attire when removing moldy wall board.

Enck was one of six panelists who addressed a crowd of about 100 at the Wall Township headquarters of the Local Union 400 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is starting to fine contractors whose failure to adhere to safety regulations puts workers at risk of health dangers, said Robert Kulick, regional administrator for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration..

Kulick said OSHA is enforcing regulations aimed at preventing the four leading causes of fatalities after hurricanes: falling from high elevations, being electrocuted, being struck by objects and being caught between objects, such as heavy equipment.

"Right now we are looking for those four hazards throughout the impacted areas of New Jersey, New York and Long Island," Kulick said. "We are intervening and we’re removing employees from risk, and when appropriate, we’re issuing citations and penalties to employers who are not responsible and not doing what needs to be done to protect their workers.

He said there have been 12 worker deaths — three in New Jersey — in the New York/New Jersey area. All of the New Jersey cases were workers who were crushed while taking down the remnants of fallen trees, he said.


Cecelia Leto, project director for the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said the forum was a chance to get a more coordinated effort from federal and state agencies to get the health and safety information directly to workers.

"We have a good reach but we’re limited. We can’t get to the front lines as good as we should," she said after the forum.

Rita Dentino, director of Casa Freehold, a Freehold-based advocacy group for immigrants, told the panelists she’s seen many poor residents living in their mold-infested homes.

From the flyers found at these homes explaining the health risks associated with storm cleanup, there’s evidence word is trickling down, but there still needs to be direct training, Dentino said.

"We want workers to be trained," she said.

They also caution that airborne mold can cause respiratory problems and that many people are unknowingly using improper safety attire.

SERVPRO and Mold

SERVPRO and Mold

SERVPRO Mold Cleanup & Restoration
Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.

Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:

The presence of visible mold.

Strong, musty odors.

Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.

Excessive humidity.

Mold Damage Removal
If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO at 1-866-361-3400 to schedule an inspection or mold removal.

In most water damage situations, mold growth is not a problem, and SERVPRO can safely restore your home or business to preloss condition. The need to address the mold removal can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

Mold Remediation
In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. SERVPRO is experienced at carrying out the assigned mold remediation plan and working to make it "Like it Never Even Happened."

Water Damage Can Be Deceptive

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. But failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity. Between 30 and 50 percent is ideal.

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. Foul odors will begin to permeate the air, and then damage spreads to materials that become delaminated, shrunken, split and further deteriorated until required repairs become quite costly. Dealing with the moisture and odor first will prevent such extensive damage.