Prepare for Post Hurricane Isaac Damage of Flooding and Microbial Proliferation

Hurricane Isaac may not have the same impact that Hurricane Katrina had seven years ago, though it is heading on the same path that will likely make landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana this Thursday as a category 2 hurricane. Wind damage will be significant, but the real threat is flooding, water damage and subsequent microbial contamination.

With another major storm bearing down on the state of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, be safe and consider the following if your building has been breached. The following efforts should be performed by licensed, accredited organizations that specialize in microbial identification and environmental project management:

• If flooded, cut the power to the building to avoid electrocution.
• Mold can fully mature and proliferate in as little as 24-48 hours, drying needs to take place immediately.
• Have a professional building scientist organization conduct a microbial assessment to determine baseline conditions and to provide effective remediation protocols depending on the damage   

Possible environmental microbial constituents to consider in the assessment may include:

• Salmonella Screen
• Listeria Screen
• E. coli Screen
• Total Plate Count
• Total Coli-forms
• Total Fungal  

All samples require laboratory processing, incubation and analysis process and should be performed by an AIHA Accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory to ensure professional analysis.

• If affected, remove all drywall 16” above the flood line or until visible water damage or microbial conditions exists
• Once it is safe to power up the building, employ a licensed electrician to increase the amount of power sources or provide portable power for blower fans to dry interstitial wall cavities and dehumidifiers that remove moisture from the air.
• Conduct baseline indoor air quality testing for bacteria and mold conditions.
• Utilize infrared thermometry and moisture meters.
• Clean and sanitize all surfaces
• Perform building/home disinfecting
• Conduct indoor air quality clearance testing to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.

To learn more about storm recovery assistance or general indoor air quality concerns please call the Building Sciences department at Pure Air Control Services at 1-800-422-7873 ext 802 or ask for Bob Mulcahy, LEED AP or Alan Wozniak, CIEC, CIAQP.

The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) at Pure Air Control Services performs a wide array of mold assays (fungal identification). EDLab can identify molds by using various techniques. Some common analysis performed by EDLab to identify fungi and mold associated test includes, but not limited to, the Bio-Scan and Spore Trap Analysis beside mycological cultural analysis of air/bulk/surface/swab/liquid environmental samples. The type of sampling and analysis performed is determined by project specifications project requirements or individual needs.

For additional information you can contact Dr. Rajiv Sahay, Director, EDLab, Pure Air Control Services, www.pureaircontrols.com 1-800-422-7873

About Pure Air Control Services

Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm. Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.

Pure Air Control Services is national provider of professional IAQ services including:  Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; Environmental Project Management; and HVAC System Cleaning/Mold Remediation Services, PURE-Steam Coil cleaning among other indoor environmental services.

The company’s expanding client roster includes the FAA, Walt Disney World, General Services Administration (GSA); Allstate Insurance; CBRE, Carrier Air Conditioning; NAVFAC, DOT, USACE, US Army, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader.

For more information on Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Alan Wozniak or Cy Garner at (800) 422-7873 ext 802 or 804 respectively, or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.