Dealing with allergies after Hurricane Irene

Allergic reactions are common after
hurricanes and floods.

Residents in the northeastern United Stated, who got pounded with strong winds, heavy rainfalls and widespread flooding when Hurricane Irene hurled through are still feeling the effects.

Many areas in New York state and other regions are still heavily flooded and the water and humid air provide perfect conditions for mold and other pollutants to flourish.

This, coupled with the seasonal ragweed allergies may lead to much stronger allergic reactions to those sensitive to mold, dust mites, ragweed and other allergens.

According to health experts, similar strong allergic reactions were observed after Hurricane Katrina.

The experts recommend taking various steps to mitigate and prevent mold growth, warning that just because you don’t see or smell anything, any surface area that has been wet for more than two days is prone to get moldy.

If that is the case, wet carpet and humid drywall should be thrown out and the area dried thoroughly to prevent any mold from spreading or growing further.

Other tips include

• Drying out the air with an air conditioner or dehumidifier
• Checking the home’s humidity with a hygrometer
• Using a particle mask to avoid exposure to allergens
• Running a HEPA air filter to reduce the allergen count in the indoor space

AllerAir offers air purifiers for mold that contain a HEPA filter for particles and mold spores, a deep bed of activated carbon  for the removal of musty smells, mold mycotoxins and other harmful chemicals and gases in the air as well as a UV lamp (optional), which neutralizes biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, mold spores and mold mycotoxins.

The units are portable and can easily be moved from one area (such as the basement) to the room that is frequented the most (such as the bedroom).

AllerAir recommended air purifiers for mold include:

• 5000 Exec with UV 
• AirMedic+ Exec

Contact AllerAir for more information!

Air Quality Experts Warn Against the Dangers of Mold Caused by Flooding in St. Leonard and Anjou

The flash flooding that occurred in St. Leonard and Anjou, Quebec in early August have Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir Industries, warning homeowners and business owners that there can be serious health effects from mold caused by water damage.

“Home and business owners in St. Leonard and Anjou have no doubt worked towards cleaning up the debris and damage caused by the east-end flooding in early August, but much of the real danger of mold can remain hidden,” said Indoor Air Quality Expert, Karen Hand, B. Chem. Eng. “I have been involved in numerous situations where families were unwittingly living in mold-infested homes, and wondering why they were suffering from medical complications.”

The Indoor Air Experts at AllerAir warn homeowners in St. Leonard and Anjou that molds can cause serious structural damage to homes, as well as health problems.

“We’re recommending specific air purifiers with deep carbon beds for homes affected by flooding—units that ensure thorough chemical absorption,” said Hand. “If you have a HEPA-only air purifier, this is not going to safeguard your family from the dangers of mold.”

Residents and business owners affected by the floods in St. Leonard and Anjou are invited to call (888) 852 8247 to speak to an Indoor Air Expert at AllerAir for a free consultation on choosing an appropriate air purifier for mold.