Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

Mold keeps growing long after Ike left town

February 13, 2009

HOUSTON – February 4, 2009 (Beaumont Enterprise) -- After Hurricane Ike tore through the Texas Gulf Coast on Sept. 13, millions of homes and businesses, many that had sustained some level of water damage, were left without power for days or even weeks.

The warm, damp conditions were perfect breeding grounds for an insidious invader: mold.

At a recent Hurricane Ike conference in Houston, Sara Speer Selber, an advocate for healthy, environmentally friendly building materials, asked a group of about 50 people how many had tested their homes for mold.

Very few raised their hands.

With a vast number of Gulf Coast residents are in some stage of the rebuilding process, many are thinking in terms of rebuilding "green."

But Selber, president of BuildClean, a nonprofit organization, said that's not enough.

They need to think "clean" and "geographically appropriate" as well.

Selber said that in her talks and seminars, she asks people to define "green."

"I have everybody list what does "green" mean," she said. "They use words like 'sustainable,' 'eco-friendly,' energy-efficient' and 'environmentally friendly.' I don't think I've every heard anyone say 'healthy."

Selber said a lot of emphasis is placed on sustainable and energy efficient materials and building practices while the importance of indoor air quality is virtually ignored.

Testing for mold is inexpensive and probably a good idea for anyone in the aftermath of a hurricane, Selber said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause symptoms ranging from mild allergic reactions such as nasal congestions, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation to severe reactions including fever and shortness of breath. Chronic lung disease sufferers might develop mold infections.

Children and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to mold-related maladies.

Mold is just one health risk that can be alleviated by using geographically appropriate materials, Selber said.

"If you are rebuilding, rebuild knowing that we live on the Gulf Coast," she said. "It's a humid environment subject to floods."

Rather than paper-based drywall and standard forms of insulation, think gypsum wall board and mold-barrier insulation.

The two things mold needs to thrive are a food source and a water source.

Wet paper-based drywall can provide both in abundance.

Selber said some mold remediation can be done by residents, with the proper guidance.

But experts are available as well.

Mark Hebert of BreatheEasy is a mold assessment consultant.

His company uses thermal imaging cameras to detect mold.

He said signs of a possible mold problem in a home or business are allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, coughing and itchiness.

He said mold is rampant in Southeast Texas after Hurricane Ike, particularly in the areas affected by the storm surge.

"Bridge City is going to be the mold capital of the nation for the next five years," he said.

Hebert said an important part of mold remediation is properly drying out the building.

"It takes 12 days to dry out a house and people are doing it for four days," he said.

Another part of indoor air quality involves using materials that do not emit volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, Selber said.

"You can buy products that don't contain VOCs, such as VOC-free paint, carpet, insulation and it's really not that much more expensive," she added.

Selber also suggested that for people in the process of rebuilding, this is an ideal time to test for other substances like radon, asbestos and lead.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Jon-Don and Aramsco

Aramsco Acquires Jon-Don Assets to Ensure Seamless Service and Support for Customers

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Recovery, ruin visible in Texas a month after Ike

    See More
  • After the floods, mold is a growing problem

    See More
  • EPA testing air after twister in Okla. town

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\r&r\new site\waterinbuildings.gif

    Water in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing