Inhalation Hazards Occur During Disaster Cleanup

Inhalation is a danger that is often overlooked when cleaning up after a natural disaster. Once a facility sustains water damage, mold can start growing on virtually any building material. Not only does it start growing, but it thrives in such moist situations.

Mold spores can be inhaled, land on your skin, get in your eyes, and cause a variety of health problems such as allergic reactions and infections. Along with mold, dust from damaged building materials can be a dangerous concern.

Nonvented goggles will help protect your eyes, but you may need to also wear a respirator to protect your lungs. An N-95 respirator is often recommended, but once again, the most important thing is to select respirator approved by ANSI or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NISH).

Ron Segura is president of Segura Associates. His company works with organizations to help them streamline their cleaning and building operations as well as promote sustainability and healthier cleaning strategies so that facilities function more effectively and efficiently and realize cost savings. He can be reached through his company website at http://www.seguraassociates.com.