Mold a Serious Issue for Homes Flooded by Hurricane Ian

Posted: October 22, 2022 2:58 am

Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian last month are now having to confront serious mold issues. As residents return to their storm-ravaged homes, they are discovering issues such as black rings forming around electrical outlets and crushed drywall.

It is often the musty smell that first hits when walking into a home that has seen the floodwaters recede. While in some cases the mold is faint enough that it is difficult to discern, other homes are experiencing obvious black mold covering walls and ceilings.

How the Mold Forms

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm on September 28. The storm triggered an ocean surge of over 12 feet in the hardest-hit areas, leaving homes flooded with massive amounts of water. In addition to the surge that infiltrated the coastal areas, rivers that rose above their banks also sent water rushing into homes located much farther inland.

Thousands of people evacuated their homes in anticipation of the storm. Upon their return, they found much more than just water. As the water began to recede, mold took root in the walls and floors.

It does not take long for mold to begin to reproduce, spreading far beyond the initial areas of impact. The mold is also not limited to soft surfaces. Residents are reporting mold on tile flooring, inside walls, growing inside appliances, and more.

Mold spores can develop within 24 hours of a flooding event. Because the presence of the mold is typically not evident at first, it can spread undetected throughout the house in a matter of days. Floridians are routinely reporting that the mold has spread through their homes in as little as a week.

What the Experts Say

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that people should assume that their home has been infested with mold if it was flooded and closed for several days. The agency advises drying everything, cleaning up the existing mold, and performing routine checks for lingering moisture issues.

Although Floridians caught a break in the days following the hurricane strike with a string of dry days to aid in the cleanup, the mercury also soared into the upper 80s in the process. This heat exacerbated the mold problem that was already developing, accelerating the natural growing process.

Complicating the issue further is that it is taking a long amount of time for insurance payments to come through. This means that residents are left on their own to try to deal with the mold without the help of professionals. The mold is so severe in some places that the homes are inhabitable.

Risks and Symptoms of Mold Exposure

The presence of mold is a serious danger. Because it is not always visible, mold can be extremely challenging to remove from the home. This is particularly true for mold that grows behind walls and underneath the flooring.

According to the CDC, mold spores floating in the air that are inhaled can trigger severe allergic reactions. Symptoms of mold exposure include burying eyes, skin irritations, coughing, and wheezing.

It is also important to note that reactions to mold can happen right away or they can be delayed. Do not assume that you are in the clear because the symptoms do not present immediately.

The especially vulnerable populations may be left to deal with infections in the lungs as a result of the mold. This includes immunocompromised individuals and those with respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. This is why health experts are recommending that people wear N-95 masks when returning to a flooded home for the first time.

The good news for residents now dealing with mold as a result of Hurricane Ian is that FEMA acknowledged the specific issue of mold spores last year. As such, the usual FEMA disaster aid payments now cover mold growth. Officials say that FEMA has paid out over $142 million across 95,000 households since the new program started. This figure represents payoffs prior to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, a number that is certain to skyrocket in the coming weeks and months.

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