Flooded Town Now Faces Mold Problems

Blackwell Families Forced to Trash Items Salvaged From Flood

Blackwell , Okla. -- An Oklahoma town that was the scene of severe flooding earlier this month is  now having problems with mold.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said the mold problems in some parts of Blackwell could be hazardous to the health of residents there.

"It's not often we see a disaster right here in our own area," said Blackwell resident Terry Caldwell.

Calswell said most of her house was severely damaged in the floods from the remnants of Hurricane Lowell.  She siad the things she did salvage have been covered by mold.

The rest of the story by KOCO Channel 5 is here.

Fines Issued for Illegal Asbestos Removal

From Asbestos.com

The city of Winslow was recently fined $240,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency as a penalty for asbestos violations committed last year. The violations included illegal removal of asbestos, illegal disposal of asbestos, and failure to notify the proper authorities of the presence of asbestos.

The suit filed by the EPA named the city and John Roche, the former city manager, as well as the owner of the building where the violations were committed. They were accused of demolishing four apartment buildings without inspecting them for asbestos.

If asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed during demolition, toxic fibers will often be released into the air. These fibers, if inhaled or ingested, can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Malignant mesothelioma often takes several decades to develop, and when it is finally diagnosed, most mesothelioma treatments do not have a curative affect on the disease.

Tipsters originally notified state authorities that the buildings were in the process of being torn down, and the demolition was ordered to a halt. Tests were carried out and the presence of asbestos was confirmed.

Experts say: Act quickly to minimize mold's damaging effects in flooded areas

(Media-Newswire.com) - COLLEGE STATION - People returning to homes flooded during Hurricane Ike or other disasters should act quickly to combat mold, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert.

"If you don't it could ruin your home, possessions and threaten your health," said Janie Harris, an AgriLife Extension housing and environmental specialist.

Mold's damaging effects can be minimized by following some suggestions offered by family and consumer sciences professionals and other experts with AgriLife Extension, she said.

After it is safe to return home, open windows and turn on fans to get fresh air circulating, Harris said. Consider running a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air....

Whole story HERE.

Editor's Note:  The Texas AgriLife Extension Service has an incredible array of publications regarding post-flood mold cleanup as does the Texas Extension Disaster Education Network.  I strongly recommend taking advantage of these resources.

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