When Hurricane Charley was approaching Florida's west coast, residents were fleeing from the Category 4, 8-10 ft. storm surge, high winds and impending catastrophic destruction.  In the wake of every storm is the second wave that can also be devastating.  This second wave can take as long as 3-6 months to arrive, but when it hits there can be serious health implications.  The second wave is microbial deposition and amplification in the form of mold and bacteria propagules that in some cases can be as nightmarish as the initial storm.  In the rush to reconstruct, water damage is often not effectively isolated, evaluated and removed.
 
In a recent publication by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) indicated "Mold growth is likely to occur in homes after flooding. It’s very important to clean and thoroughly dry any areas of the home that have gotten wet from floodwaters. Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks, according to the Office of Indoor Air Quality at the Environmental Protection Agency."  
 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman emphasized that "If your home (building)  was flooded it could be harboring mold. Disaster recovery and health officials warn that victims of flooding should clean flood-damaged homes thoroughly now to avoid possible health problems from mold and mildew in the warmer months ahead. Care must be taken to clean and completely dry any areas of the home that have gotten wet from floodwaters to prevent structural damage and adverse health effects from mold.  People are anxious to get on with their lives after a flood, but if you had flood waters in your home take the time to clean thoroughly so problems don’t arise later that affect your home or your health.”

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) stated that “If you suspect you have a mold infestation, consult a professional immediately.  Serious financial and legal consequences may result from not properly addressing known problems.”
 
A proactive plan that includes a series of Health Home or Healthy Building IAQ checkups can easily avert a second phase mold disaster.
 
As a leader in indoor environmental services, Pure Air Control Services is ready to assist your company with any potential recovery efforts from Hurricane Charley.  
 
Indoor environmental services available by Pure Air Control Services on a national level include:
     
     * Mold/IEQ Investigation Services - Environmental Scientists with backgrounds in microbiology, industrial hygiene, mechanical, building sciences, allergy/immunology
 
     * Microbiology Laboratory Services   -  AIHA Accredited Laboratory
 
     * Building Health Check (BHC)   -  Economical Building Evaluations that include Healthy Home and Healthy Building Checkups.
 
     * Professional Indoor Environmental Quality (PIEQ) program   -  IEQ testing equipment and training for the facility manager.
 
     * Ductwork Remediation -  NADCA Certified
 
     * Mold Remediation - NY City Department of Health Office of the Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology guidelines on Mold Assessment and Remediation

Pure Air Control Services is the global leader in building diagnostics, environmental laboratory and remediation of indoor contamination.  For nearly 20 years, Pure Air Control Services has provided recovery efforts from the consequence of major storms.  Just as in our past customers, our prompt service and expertise will prove a major contribution to any recovery needs you may have in the future.

Pure Air Control Services can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-422-7873 ext 804.  A pre-hurricane contact with Pure Air Control Services will assure the quickest response in the event you need these services.

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