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Post-Hurricane Mold In Your Household

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Flooding from the recent big storms, Lee and Irene, may have left behind a hidden problem: mold. Homeowners are being reminded to act quickly to prevent mold from growing inside their walls.

"Mold will grow within 24 hours if water is present from any type of flooding situation," explains Roger Lloyd, an inspector with Philadelphia Mold Testing.

He says last week's unusually high water levels may leave homeowners with an unpleasant discovery this week.

"Mold starts growing along baseboards, inside of walls, or behind drywall, things like that," Lloyd said.

Experts suggest homeowners dry out problem areas as quickly as possible with fans or dehumidifiers, and throw away carpet or anything disposable that might encourage mold growth.

Dr. John Cohn, an allergist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, says mold can trigger allergies, or in rare cases, other illnesses, but common sense measures can prevent problems.

"I don't think you need to go to extraordinary lengths to treat mold as a particularly dangerous, toxic compound."

Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio 1060

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