CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 04/28/05

Heavy rain, leaky pipes can create mold-friendly conditions

By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia

If some of the more than 15 inches of rainfall our state has had this year made its way inside your home and wasn't quickly removed, you could have conditions ripe for a mold problem.

"Across the Southeast, mold caused by flooding can trigger health problems in sensitive individuals," said Gina Peek, a housing program assistant with the University of Georgia Extension Service.

"Mold is ubiquitous in the environment, and it is extremely difficult to remove all molds from an indoor environment," Peek said. "But you can control moisture to aid in the elimination of mold growth."

Follow these steps

If you suspect you have a mold problem caused by flooding, UGA experts recommend: First, locate and repair the source of the moisture, be it a leaky pipe or roof. Next, determine whether mold is in fact present.

"If you see blackish or greenish stains on areas that were water-damaged or notice a musty smell," she said. "you very likely have mold contamination."

Peek says there's no real need for expensive mold tests. Just remove the source of the moisture, then proceed with clean-up. Remove or thoroughly clean any area that is mold stained.

Make sure to wear a respirator and protective clothing, such as a long-sleeves shirt and gloves, when working to remove mold. And, keep children or allergy-sensitive family members away from the area or out of the house entirely during mold clean-up.

Throw away severely contaminated porous materials such as carpets, damaged sheetrock and furniture.

Clean well or remove

Wood and tile surfaces can be scrubbed with a soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse surfaces well with clean water.

Insulation in walls and ventilation systems should be checked and removed if evidence of mold is found.

"Remember, people can react to mold, even if it's in wall cavities," Peek said.

Aside from weather-related moisture, don't forget to control the daily moisture that can also create indoor mold.

To fight mold daily, eliminate moisture sources such as dripping faucets, leaking pipes, puddles of water and wet bathmats. Use a squeegee after bathing to remove water from shower walls and bathtubs.

Peek also recommends making sure there is adequate ventilation while cooking and bathing to reduce moisture build-up.

Sharon Omahen is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
Gina Gould Peek
University and state leaders cut the ribbon during the Science and Ag Hill dedication ceremony. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA) CAES News
UGA dedicates first phase of Science and Ag Hill modernization 11/01/24
The University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony on Oct. 30 to celebrate the completion of the first phase of renovations to modernize research and instruction facilities and infrastructure on UGA’s Science and Ag Hill. This area of campus, located just south of Sanford Stadium, includes buildings dedicated to a variety of scientific disciplines such as biology, physics, geology and agricultural sciences.
CAES doctoral students Sofia Varriano and Leniha Lagarde follow farmer Clay Brady to the pasture where many of his chickens are kept. CAES News
UGA researchers study how free-range chickens influence farm sustainability 10/31/24 Maria M. Lameiras
Researchers in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are studying how pastured and free-range chickens impact ecosystems on integrated crop-livestock farms. Supported by a $749,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, entomology doctoral student Sofia Varriano and her thesis advisor, agroecologist and systems biology Professor Bill Snyder, are testing the promise of integrated crop-livestock agriculture to increase the sustainability of smaller farms.
Kaytlyn Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. CAES News
Kaytlyn Cobb joins UGA Grand Farm to boost agricultural innovation in Georgia 10/30/24 Sean Montgomery
Growing up in north Georgia’s Franklin County, Kaytlyn Cobb knew her aspirations in agriculture would always lead her to new opportunities. Inspired by her dedicated community and diverse background, Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. Hired in August, Cobb hit the ground running to continue development of the fast-forming ecosystem between Grand Farm, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and global strategic partners.
Kevan Lamm teaching undergraduate students CAES News
CAES researchers prepare students to address complex challenges of the future 10/29/24 Emily Cabrera
Over the next three years, researchers in the University of Georgia’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication aim to transform undergraduate education in agricultural and environmental sciences by integrating systems thinking — an approach that encourages students to see the bigger picture by understanding how different components within a system interact.
Thermal imaging technology could improve the production of fruits and vegetables. CAES News
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer 10/28/24 Savannah Peat
Before your favorite produce arrives at the grocery store, it must be carefully harvested and maintained across long stretches of time. A recent University of Georgia review suggests new temperature measuring technologies could make that process much simpler, amid growing agricultural challenges fueled by fluctuating climates. Maintaining temperature, humidity and light is critical to ensuring fruits and vegetables don’t spoil or deteriorate rapidly. Temperature spikes are the root of adverse outcomes, so monitoring these changes quickly and accurately is key.
At the 2024 Georgia Life Sciences Summit held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta, Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences received the Golden Helix Innovation Award for his research in technologies to mitigate “forever chemicals” in water resources. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker) CAES News
Georgia Bio awards recognize UGA inventor, corporate partners 10/25/24 Carson McAfee
University of Georgia Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang, Delta Innovation Hub resident Dalan Animal Health, and Athens manufacturer Meissner Corporation were recognized for their achievements in the life science industry at Georgia Bio’s Georgia Life Sciences Summit, held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta. The Golden Helix Awards celebrate the contributions of Georgia legislative, academic, corporate, and advocacy leaders working to grow the life science industry and foster strategic partnerships that create a healthier world.