The Toxic Aftermath of Hurricane Irene
45Toxic Aftermath
There was a lot of damage caused by hurricane Irene. One of the risks is health problems. The storm has apparently blown into the local communities spores of mold that is causing people with asthma to suffer server allergic reactions. These spores that have been blown around, entering homes through open windows, air conditioners and fans have had a triggering event when combined in areas that also have a fair amount of pollen and ragweed.
It has been suggested by Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care in New York, that it would be wise to keep windows closed and air conditioners and furnaces felters clean. He also recommends setting air conditioners so that the do not recirculate.
There is also another health risk left by hurricane Irene. When Irene unleashed it's 20 inches of rain along the East Coast, the water then picks up all the toxins in the environment. The waters pick up debris and a the chemicals left on the roads by cars, gas stations, toxic waste dumps and a host of other toxic business out there. I'm sure the list could go on.
Hurricane flood water is also capable of picking up toxic metals from the ground and transporting them to areas where children play outside. This posies a risk. The toxic metals we are talking about are metals like thallium, lead, iron and arsenic.
So if you have dishes, utensils, drinking cups, baby dishes, cutting boards, anything that has been touched by flood water, it is suggested by the FDA that these things be thrown out to reduce the risk of contaminants in the water.
Joe Macho Level 5 Commenter 8 months ago
Very useful hub as I was unaware of these consequences of the hurricane. As far as the spores go, there is really nothing that you can do about it. I know the FDA said to throw out all plates, cups, etc that was touched by the water, but any biologist will tell you that this is pointless. The fact of the matter is that spores exist everywhere and can be on any surface. They are the single hardest biological cells to eliminate as they can withstand extreme heat changes, pH changes and they will surely live through any household cleaner. You'd have to seal yourself off in a private bubble to be free of them. Anyway's I'm wishing for the best for the people affected by the storm.
Thanks for the hub. Voted up and useful