After Milton made Some residents who were evacuated from the area after a Category 3 hurricane made landfall in western Florida last week have now returned to find their homes damaged by water. And they may soon find something else – mold.
Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to moisture. Additionally, Florida’s subtropical climate, which remains hot and humid even into October, is an ideal breeding ground. To make matters worse, mold will continue to grow until the source of moisture is removed.
As climate change increases rainfall and storms become more intense, mold may become a more common problem. Higher temperatures can increase moisture in the atmosphere and lead to more intense precipitation events. “Mold is absolutely linked to climate change,” says Mary Johnson, a senior researcher in environmental health at Harvard University. “Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, can cause water to enter homes and all types of indoor spaces. High humidity increases the likelihood of indoor mold growth.”
Mold growth has been recorded after major storms that caused flooding and water damage in residential areas. Months after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed 112 flood-damaged homes. It turns out that almost half There was visible mold growth. and johnson research Rising temperatures and increased precipitation are believed to be responsible for the increase in mold spores in outdoor air.
Molds, a type of fungi, are a natural part of the environment and have existed on Earth for millions of years. Outdoors, it plays an important role in decomposing organic matter such as dead trees and fallen leaves. But indoors, mold can be a health risk, especially for children, people with allergies or asthma, and people with weakened immune systems.
Mold spores (reproductive cells that act like seeds) travel through the air both outdoors and indoors. When people inhale these spores, they can cause respiratory symptoms, itchy eyes, infections, or skin rashes. Inhaling them can trigger an asthma attack, which can be serious. However, not everyone is affected by mold.
“Our bodies deal with mold most of the time,” says Ronald Suff, an internist, allergist, and immunologist in Tallahassee, Florida. “If you walk around a park or woodland, you’re going to be exposed to fairly high concentrations of mold.”
