Say No To Mold

Make Sure You’re Prepared To Tackle Mold In An Emergency Shelter 

By Ali Ball

The Institute of Medicine cites evidence linking exposure to mold with a number of health problems, including conditions of the upper respiratory tract, coughing, and exacerbated symptoms amongst those with asthma.

Managing mold in the home is one thing, but in a emergency scenario, if you find yourself squatting in disused buildings or putting together an emergency shelter, it’s a good idea to know how to deal with any existing mold you may be living with – it’s even worth adding a few key tools to your bug out bag.

Mold 101

Mold is a fungi that can cause significant health issues, and unfortunately, an abandoned building is likely to support the ideal conditions for it to grow. Temperature, moisture light and surface roughness are all key factors influencing mold growth, and it’s likely that any shelter you find in an emergency situation will harbor the ideal conditions. 

In your home, mold testing can give you insights into the effects of mold on indoor air quality and inform you of exactly what steps are needed to prevent the problem from spreading and remove existing spores. If you have to hide out without this luxury, however, it’s helpful to be prepared with some easy removal methods to minimize the impact mold has on your health.

From The Kitchen 

Baking soda will be a valuable addition to your bug out bag – it won’t take up much space, and it has multiple uses. It will help control moisture and clean off existing mold, and it can also be used to control odors, which might be necessary if you’re hiding out for a while and your shoes become damp.

For mold removal, it can be applied directly to the affected area or mixed with water. To use it on its own, allow it to sit on the mold, refreshing it as needed. Alternatively, dissolve the baking soda in water, apply the solution to the mold and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub it off with a cloth or rag.

Distilled white vinegar may be more difficult to include in your emergency kit, but if you find any in the building you’re hiding out in, you can use it to kill mold spores — this will also prevent new mold from growing. Apply the vinegar to the affected area, and allow it to work before gently wiping it off. You can also mix white vinegar with baking soda for a two pronged attack. 

From The First Aid Kit

Tea tree oil will be a valuable addition to your first aid kit: it is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can come in handy as a sanitizer or to manage infections. It will also help you tackle mold. Mix two teaspoons of the oil with approximately two cups of water and apply to the affected area. Leave the solution to work on the spores without scrubbing it.

If you opt for hydrogen peroxide as your first aid kit’s antiseptic solution, this can also be doubled up as a mold remover. It has high oxidizing properties, which you’ll see as it bubbles away over the mold: simply pour it on a rag and apply it to the mold. Leave it for around 10 minutes before wiping up the area.

Acquiring a respiratory tract infection or experiencing an allergic reaction to mold is the last thing you want to add to your worries in an emergency situation. By factoring some mold removal solutions into your emergency kit, you’ll be ready to clean up any shelter you find if the worst comes to the worst.