The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization and Health Canada all agree that living or working in a building with mold results in an increased risk of respiratory disease, among other effects. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) therefore urges homeowners, particularly those at risk of flooding, to inspect their homes for mold.
A professional experienced in mold evaluation and remediation, such as an industrial hygienist, can address extensive mold growth in a building. Large mold problems must be addressed as soon as possible by fixing the source of the moisture problem, removing contaminated materials, cleaning the surfaces and drying the area completely.
Remember, mold may affect the following people more quickly or severely: infants and children; the elderly; pregnant women; individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies and asthma; and those with weakened immune systems.
For more information on mold remediation and resources, visit http://www.aiha.org/news-pubs/bg/Pages/MoldDetectionRemediation.aspx.