 |
|
Household levels of mold following Hurricane Katrina surpass some agricultural environments
September 25, 2006Mold and bacteria levels in New Orleans homes warrant use of strong respiratory protection
In a study assessing flood clean-up procedures in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, a team of scientists led by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, report that household levels of mold and bacterial endotoxins in three single-family homes were so considerable that they equaled or surpassed those in waste- water treatment plants, cotton mills, and agricultural environments. The study is the first comprehensive report documenting levels of mold and bacteria in homes that received sustained flooding.
Following Hurricane Katrina, many New Orleans homes remained flooded for weeks, promoting heavy mold growth. These three New Orleans homes were selected for the study based on their levels of flood water, whether they previously were structurally sound, and if they were located in an area likely to be rebuilt. The study examined the extent to which homes that experienced significant and prolonged exposure to flood waters could be satisfactorily cleaned to enable reconstruction. Homes were inspected for roof leakage, standing water and the extent of mold throughout their interiors, as well as heating ventilation and air conditioning.
"From our data, it is clear that levels of mold were so high that we strongly recommend that those entering, cleaning, and repairing flood-damaged homes wear respirators that are more protective than plain dust masks," said Ginger Chew, ScD, assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health. "While our assessments of the data are based on a small demonstration project, the results give a clear picture of what is acceptable in flood clean-up procedures."
The project was sponsored by the NIEHS Center for Environmental Health in Northern Manhattan and Enterprise Community Partners, and was carried out by the Mailman School of Public Health, the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and several other academic institutions including Tulane School of Public Health, the University of Cincinnati, Harvard School of Public Health, The University of Iowa, and Case Western Reserve University.
"Our goal was to make recommendations for the safe removal of flood-damaged articles, safe re-entry into homes, and safe levels of worker protection," said Jonathan Wilson, deputy director of the National Center for Healthy Housing.
According to researchers, these findings not only will inform those involved in current clean-up activities in New Orleans and other environments, but will benefit those responding to any future disasters that may occur.
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
"From our data, it is clear that levels of mold were so high that we strongly recommend that those entering, cleaning, and repairing flood-damaged homes wear respirators that are more protective than plain dust masks," said Ginger Chew, ScD, assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health. "While our assessments of the data are based on a small demonstration project, the results give a clear picture of what is acceptable in flood clean-up procedures."
The project was sponsored by the NIEHS Center for Environmental Health in Northern Manhattan and Enterprise Community Partners, and was carried out by the Mailman School of Public Health, the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and several other academic institutions including Tulane School of Public Health, the University of Cincinnati, Harvard School of Public Health, The University of Iowa, and Case Western Reserve University.
"Our goal was to make recommendations for the safe removal of flood-damaged articles, safe re-entry into homes, and safe levels of worker protection," said Jonathan Wilson, deputy director of the National Center for Healthy Housing.
According to researchers, these findings not only will inform those involved in current clean-up activities in New Orleans and other environments, but will benefit those responding to any future disasters that may occur.
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
Mold Current Events and Mold News RSSPilot study relates phthalate exposure to less-masculine play by boys
A study of 145 preschool children reports, for the first time, that when the concentrations of two common phthalates in mothers' prenatal urine are elevated their sons are less likely to play with male-typical toys and games, such as trucks and play fighting.
New imagining technique could lead to better antibiotics and cancer drugs
A recently devised method of imaging the chemical communication and warfare between microorganisms could lead to new antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer drugs, said a Texas AgriLife Research scientist.
Lasers put a shine on metals
Jobs are in short supply, and yet some sectors have difficulty in finding suitable trainees for specialist tasks, such as polishing injection molds.
New strategy for mending broken hearts?
By mimicking the way embryonic stem cells develop into heart muscle in a lab, Duke University bioengineers believe they have taken an important first step toward growing a living "heart patch" to repair heart tissue damaged by disease.
New aluminum-water rocket propellant promising for future space missions
Researchers are developing a new type of rocket propellant made of a frozen mixture of water and "nanoscale aluminum" powder that is more environmentally friendly than conventional propellants and could be manufactured on the moon, Mars and other water-bearing bodies.
U.S. needs nearly $200 million more on climate-related health research
A recent commentary suggests that the U.S. should spend roughly $197 million more than it currently does to research the impact of climate change on public health.
UW lab demonstrates 3-D printing in glass
A team of engineers and artists working at the University of Washington's Solheim Rapid Manufacturing Laboratory has developed a way to create glass objects using a conventional 3-D printer. The technique allows a new type of material to be used in such devices.
Laser processes promise better artificial joints, arterial stents
Researchers are developing technologies that use lasers to create arterial stents and longer-lasting medical implants that could be manufactured 10 times faster and also less expensively than is now possible.
Graffiti-free historic buildings
Many a historic landmark is defaced with graffiti, but the spray paint can only be removed - if at all - using caustic solutions which risk damaging the underlying surface. A new breathable coating provides efficient, all-round protection against attacks by taggers.
Bioengineers develop a microfabricated device to measure cellular forces during tissue development
A University of Pennsylvania-collaboration of bioengineers studying the physical forces generated by individual cells has created a tiny micron-sized device that allows researchers to measure and manipulate cellular forces as assemblies of living cells reorganize themselves into tissues.
More Mold Current Events and Mold News Articles
 |
KRUD KUTTER MS32 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Plus Blocker, 32-Ounce by KRUD KUTTER KRUD KUTTER MILDEW STAIN REMOVER - Fresh floral scent ~ No bleach or ammonia added ~ Fast-acting indoor & outdoor formula ~ Removes tough mildew stains prior to painting ~ Works on tile grout tubs fiberglass ~ shower doors vinyl curtains counters ~ sinks and No-Wax floors ~ Also ideal for patio furniture boats and more |
 |
BITE SIZE ROSES Flowers, Fruits & Vegitables Candy Mold Chocolate by CybrTrayd FDA Approved This is a first quality, tough plastic mold. It is durable and reusable. It is not machine washable. Suitable for chocolate and soap making as well as plaster and concrete crafting. FDA approved. |
 |
Wet and Forget 10587 1 Gallon Moss, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover by Wet and Forget Wet and Forget has a unique combination of biodegradable selective surfactants for moss removal, mold removal, mildew and stain removal on any exterior surface. When diluted with water and applied, it immediately attacks that unsi moss, mold, and mil. 1 Gallon of Wet & Forget makes 6 gallons of ready to use product, which covers approximately 750-2250 square feet depending on the porosity of the surface |
 |
The Homeowner's Guide to Mold by Michael A. Pugliese (Author) As homeowners learn more about the real damage mold can cause to their health and home, their concerns are rapidly rising. They’re beginning to realize that their energy-efficient, "tight" homes built since the ‘70s energy crisis can actually be havens for destructive mold, thanks to poor circulation and "mold-friendly" materials like conventional drywall and particleboard. They’re also discovering that many insurance companies are no longer covering mold-related damages. This puts the burden on the homeowner (and the contractor, for new or remodeled homes) to prevent mold before it causes serious and expensive problems. Even a minor, hidden water leak, untreated, can result in major mold problems and thousands of dollars in damage… and a severely mold-contaminated... |
 |
Wilton Bite-Size Brownie Squares 24-Cavity Silicone Mold Pan by Wilton Little brownie bites—just the right size for parties and snacks. One 8 x 8 in. size brownie mix makes 40 to 42 brownies. Individual cavities are 1.5 x 1.5 x .75 in. deep. We suggest preparing the mold with non-stick vegetable pan spray before baking. Always place silicone molds on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan for level baking and easy removal from oven. Pour batter into mold, filling about 1/2 to 2/3 full. Place mold in pre-heated oven. Bake according to recommended temperature on recipe. Place pan on cooling grid and cool completely. To remove brownies, invert mold and apply gentle pressure to the bottom while gently peeling the mold away. |
 |
Rice Mold (Four Shapes) by lucca Kids will love the heart, flower, star, and triangle shaped rice balls! A time saver for your kitchen!It is very easy and convenient to use this rice mold to make rice balls. The surface is plastic, non stick. It is very easy to remove rice from the surface. There are four shapes: Star, Triangle, Flower and Heart. It is easy to understand and make rice ball with the picture instruction. It is fun to use this mold to prepare food for your family members or friends. Caution: Keep away from flame. Use of scrubbing brush may damage the product. |
 |
Tovolo Green Shooting Star Pop Molds by Tovolo Make a cool summer treat even cooler and catch a shooting star with these Tovolo Green Shooting Star Pop Molds. Your home made popsicles will delight the kids and their friends with their unique star shape and built-in drip guards. |
 |
Tovolo Pop Molds (set of 6) Star by Tovolo Enjoy some icy treats using these Tovolo Popsicle Molds (set of 6). These popsicle molds are larger than most so there''s more popsicle to enjoy! The base is designed so that you can easily remove popsicles individually and it also keeps popsicles from tipping and spilling in your freezer. The mold handles are designed to catch drips as you eat so juices don''t run down your arm. The plastic sleeves of each mold are insulated so you can set them out on your table and enjoy them at the end of the meal without worrying about melting! Sold as a set of 6. Instructions included. |
 |
Environmentally Friendly Mold Remediation Techniques That Significantly Reduce Childhood Asthma by Gary Rosen Ph.D. (Author) The latest break through research from US EPA scientists in 2007 shows that indoor mold problems do actually cause asthma. Conversely, proper removal of mold can significantly reduce the symptoms of asthma. We review these incredible new findings and explain what YOU can do to fix the problems and heal the child. Such fixes do NOT have to be expensive. Sometimes all it takes is stopping a water leak causing the mold and upgrading your AC filter! Sounds simple. NOT. A major problem is that most mold remediation is improperly done. Mold professionals have been taught by the chemical companies that using EPA cleaners approved for household use is bad for business. . . because using these cleaners is hard work. Rather they are taught to use commercial chemicals called biocides to... |
 |
Set of Two Egg Molds (Rabbit and Bear) by From Japan With this set of egg molds, it is fun to make and eat boiled egg. This set shapes the egg into rabbit and bear. The egg molds work great with the large size eggs. The egg molds are safe between -4° f and 212° F. They are not safe for microwave or dishwasher. Instructions: 1) Boils a big-size egg and removes the shell 2) Places the egg into the mold while it is still being hot 3) Locks the mold with closing wings before putting it into cold water for 5 - 10 minutes 4) Gets the egg out from the mold and an amazing egg shape turns out |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |