As recent devastating floods caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay regions and the Tararua District start to subside, they leave a huge mess in their wake for residents to clean up, including dangerous mould.

For people in these regions living with asthma and allergies, this will be a worrying time as mould thrives in warm, damp environments and can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, the recent rain and warm temperatures provide excellent conditions for the growth and spread of toxic mould that can be damaging to health, especially for residents in these areas living with asthma and allergies.

When a mould source is disturbed, small particles called spores are released in the air, which can then trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. The symptoms can include nose, eye and skin irritation, sneezing or wheezing and severe breathing difficulties in some people.

It is critical that mould isn’t left to grow unchecked in homes or workplaces after the floods have receded.

Reducing the amount of moisture as soon as possible is the best way to control mould growth, so do a thorough clean and open all the doors and windows to dry out the area as quickly as possible. If you can, use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the process.

It is important to eliminate the source of mould growth, as well as cleaning visible mould, to stop it from regrowing. Unfortunately, bleach will remove visible mould but won’t kill the spores underneath and it may also irritate sensitive noses.

It is recommended that everything that has been touched by floodwaters will need to go and this includes soft furnishings like carpets, floor underlays, mattresses, cushions and couches – and if in doubt, throw it out.

Depending on the extent of the flooding, some residents may be able to remove visible mould on hardwood furnishings by cleaning with naturally fermented white vinegar solution or other mould-reduction cleaners.

However, even if you have thoroughly cleaned your home you can still have problems with mould. It can grow in places you may not even think to look – walls, clothes, books and toys – so anything that has touched floodwater should ideally be removed and discarded safely.

Some key tips from Sensitive Choice include:

• Dry or remove wet carpets and furnishings as soon as you can

• Be ruthless with the clean out, if possible – hidden damp can cause ongoing problems

• Consider using a dehumidifier to help dry out the space

• Remove any visible mould by cleaning with naturally fermented white vinegar solution

• Keep an eye out for mould in the unflooded areas of the house

• Cleaning can be a challenge for people with asthma and allergies, so look out for sensitive household cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals and no fragrances

• If you have concerns about asthma for yourself or a family member, see your health professional.

In addition, National Emergency Management Agency advice includes:

• Floodwaters may be full of sewage, chemicals and other hazardous materials and should be avoided as much as possible

• Floodwater can carry bacteria that can contaminate food

• Protect yourself when cleaning up flood water and mud by wearing a properly fitted P2- or N95-rated mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes

• Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater

• Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded (RNZ News, 2023).

Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives or have lost everything they have due to Cyclone Gabrielle. Additionally, our thoughts are with those whose family and friends are currently uncontactable.

For more information on mould and asthma and allergies, visit https://www.sensitivechoice.com/resource/mould/

Reference:
RNZ News. (2023, February 21).  Cyclone Gabrielle live updates: Recovery funding, state of emergency extended. RNZ. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484561/cyclone-gabrielle-live-updates-recovery-funding-state-of-emergency-extended