“Superstorm” Sandy’s torrential rains and hurtling winds will be leaving something behind. Mold.
If water is standing from 48 to 72 hours after a flood, the likelihood of mold is greatly increased.
Mold can grow between walls, in crawlspaces, attics and basements.
The elderly, infants, the chronically ill, and the immunocompromised are at highest risk. Waterlogged buildings will harbor toxins from water pollution, and the dampness in buildings will provide an environment for mold to grow.
Mold is not the only problem storm waters carry; toxic chemicals and sewage mingle with storm sludge, carrying poisons and communicable illnesses (gonorrhea, E. coli or salmonella exposure to carcinogenic mixtures that may not show their consequences for years).
Low temperatures will help deter mold growth.
When electricity is restored, it should be easier to dry up affected areas.
The storm may lead to a lot of renovation, maybe even an architectural renaissance. Either the quality of life of many areas is headed downhill or there will be a lot of remediation going on.
If you’re in California, you might want to give us a call and see about getting an assessment from Byebyemold.