Flood Safety Tips: clean dust, asbestos and mold

Flood damaged household items in Mullumbimby, pending collection. Photo Aslan Shand.

The Sturm Debbie caused severe damage throughout the region from the north coast and that people their homes and businesses locally Northern NSW Health District Clean still reminds people to take precautions against mold, dust and asbestos.

The dust and mold

Eye irritation, running and stuffy nose, sneezing and shortness of breath can be caused by mold and dust that cause allergic reactions and other respiratory diseases.

Wearing a mask P2 at hardware stores for cleaning or dusty conditions, it is recommended

At home

Back home after a flood and your company the following steps are recommended:
Clean and dry the building quickly. open doors and fans or dehumidifiers the buildings windows to dry.

Remove all porous items that were wet for more than 48 hours and can not be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the house or building. Porous items, you can not clean the carpet are upholstery and carpeting, upholstery fabrics, wallpaper, drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation materials, clothing, leather, paper, wood and wood products and food. Removal and cleaning is important because even dead mold can cause allergic reactions.

wet cleaned articles and surfaces with cleaning agents and water, to prevent mold growth.
temporarily store items damaged or processed out of the house or building to insurance claims thrown.

Mold shrinkage:

Routine cleaning of surfaces with a mild detergent or vinegar diluted with water (4 parts of ethyl 1 part water) is used.

For a 10-liter disinfectant bucket, fill the bucket with water and then adding one of the following (50 ml quarter cup) of 4 percent chlorine (bleach) or 8 - 16mls (desert spoon) 12.5 percent chlorine (liquid). Tea tree oil is also an effective use of a solution of 3 percent or (2 teaspoon in a spray bottle with 2 cups water)

It is recommended that gloves made of PVC or rubber nitrate, goggles, masks and protective footwear is used in a well ventilated area when bleach is used.

the cleaning solution still possible remains on the surface at least 20 minutes treated to be before rinsing.

Make sure the surface is completely dry after cleaning.

absorbing material, such as a carpet must be professionally cleaned or replaced.

asbestos

Asbestos is a problem that when it breaks, can create particles of asbestos dust in the air.
Many of the properties built before 1987 or renovated asbestos may contain, often in the form of ceilings and walls.

In general, asbestos remains trapped in the cement matrix (asbestos-related) and cause no harm. If it breaks or work with power tools such as drills, grinders, saws, etc., are released small asbestos fibers into the air. These are air fibers can cause illness when inhaled.

Precautions:

Sprinkle with water

Cover with plastic sheets

Prevent the access of children and animals

Cover Toys

Using methods of the wet cleaning instead of dry sweeping or vacuuming

Stay away from enclosed spaces asbestos-containing materials more

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