Cleanup Tips to Protect Lung Health as Hurricane Helene’s Floodwaters Recede

As our Gulf Coast community recovers from the immense damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene and its record-breaking storm surge, it is important to note that the cleanup from floodwaters itself creates the potential for serious and long-lasting threats to health.

Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks to area residents. Mold, bacteria and viruses can grow anywhere there is water or dampness. Mold, in particular, can cause wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks, and some evidence links mold with respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Keep an eye on symptoms. It is not uncommon for people to develop new health problems following a disaster like Hurricane Helene, so be aware of any breathing problems that may arise, including coughing (especially at night), wheezing or feeling short of breath, and chest tightness or pain. Get immediate emergency medical help if fingernails or lips are turning blue or if there is severe chest pain. Both could be life-threatening.

The American Lung Association in Florida shares proven cleanup tips to reduce health risks for Gulf Coast residents impacted by Hurricane Helene:

1. Wear protective gear. During cleanup, you risk inhaling and coming into contact with dust, building materials, contaminants and microorganisms. Wear disposable gloves, goggles and an N95 mask.
2. Turn off the electricity and gas at the cleanup site. Do not use portable gasoline- or diesel-powered generators, power washers, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane or charcoal-burning equipment and other devices inside or close to open windows. These produce carbon monoxide that can kill occupants if it builds up indoors.
3. Use soap and water for cleaning, especially to scrub mold off hard, nonporous surfaces. Do not use bleach, which can make it hard to breathe.
4. When in doubt, toss it out. Remove everything that has been soaked by water, including clothing, papers, furnishings, carpet, ceiling tiles and wallboard. Anything that cannot be cleaned and dried and anything porous (like drywall and carpet) that had been in floodwaters for 24 to 48 hours must be discarded. Simply drying out water will not remove the bacteria or toxins that can make people sick.
5. If possible, consider hiring professional cleaners. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring professional cleaners if more than 10 square feet of your home is flooded or if water has been in the building for more than one or two days. Floodwaters bring in residue that may contaminate porous building materials. Mold flourishes in this environment and attempting to clean without professional help may increase the risk of developing respiratory problems.

If you are worried about your family’s lung health and have questions, call the American Lung Association’s Lung free HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA. The HelpLine is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists who can answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease and lung health, including how to protect yourself during cleanup. More information on how lung health is affected by flooding is available at Lung.org/flood.

For media interested in speaking with an expert about lung health and floodwaters, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-273-5890.