We are in the thick of flooding here in Reno (and in California). Other than those three pumps working hard to keep water out of our home, I’m concerned about mold. My two worst asthma triggers: cold air and mold! As I listen to the rain pound my roof, I started my research about dealing with mold and the biggest tip is: address the mold immediately.
Note: the photo above is of my pal Julie’s road leading to her house. Hopefully, the road will be drivable today. The rain is suppose to turn to snow today.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offer a very comprehensive one-stop webpage with useful links and infographics detailing the steps to take. If you know of any other website or links, please comment below and I’ll add them into this post. Not only is mold a challenge for people with asthma and other lung disease, it can cause additional health challenges.
CDC – Mold – Clean-up and Remediation
The CDC shares who is at risk from mold infection…
People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression (such as people with HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy, and people who have received an organ transplant) are more susceptible to mold infections.
After reading the CDC’s, Mold After a Disaster webpage, I now better understand the gravity of mold and the dangers it may present. Mold needs to be respected and managed, period.
If you have friends that might have experienced flooding, please share these resources.
Thankfully, my son is still home visiting from college and has been a great helper. I’m feeling very grateful that our house is dry today and hope my friends with washed out road, flooded homes and basements stay safe. Many road and streets are closed and we are lucky to have a full pantry and are able to work from home.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..