BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC – October 22, 2024 – The air we breathe indoors can become polluted following Hurricane Helene. In a Buncombe County alert on October 22nd, Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore has outlined some very important guidelines to follow as we cleanup after the storm. Many of us lost power for extended periods of time. Burning many fuels indoors or even nearby can pollute the indoor air with deadly carbon monoxide. The air we breathe indoors can also become polluted by mold growth in flood-damaged homes.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe illness, passing out and even death. Using portable generators, gas stoves, gas grills, and charcoal grills indoors can pollute indoor air with products of combustion including carbon monoxide. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, vomiting and confusion. Breathing a lot of the gas can make you pass out or die. People who breathe in excessive amounts of carbon monoxide while sleeping can die without demonstrating any symptoms beforehand.
All flood-damaged buildings and contents need to be cleaned up before people can enter them. They must be dry. Dirt and trash need to be removed. Any moldy items (like rugs) must be cleaned, dried, and disinfected or they must be removed. Remove wet drywall and insulation. Wear adequate protective gear against mold during cleanup like goggles, water impermeable gloves and an N95 face mask. Symptoms of mold-related illness can include sinus congestion, itchy eyes, breathing problems, sore throat and headache.
Listen to the full report below:
Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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