The devastation of Hurricane Sandy was felt hard in the Northeast, and the aftereffects of the storm will remain with us for some time. For people with lung disease, exposure to damp materials and mold growth can trigger asthma and allergies and cause breathing problems.
This can affect everyone. It is not uncommon for people to develop lung problems after a disaster such as Sandy, even if they have never had these types of maladies before.
The American Lung Association offers resources on its website, at lungne.org, to advise people about proper cleanup following a flood and how to go about properly removing mold. Some important advice includes throwing out anything that cannot be cleaned and dried and insisting that occupants and workers cleaning protect themselves by wearing N-95 masks — available at hardware stores — as well as gloves and goggles.
More advice, tips and links to government and other resources are available on our site.
The association wants to remind anyone who is having trouble breathing to seek medical attention. Also, we operate a free Lung HelpLine, which can be reached at 1-800-LUNG-USA and choosing Option 2.
In addition to connecting those with lung disease to registered nurses and respiratory therapists who can answer questions, the HelpLine can provide callers with more information on cleaning up after a flood or water damage and answer questions about preventing or getting rid of mold growth.
As we recover from this disaster, the association stands ready to answer your lung health questions.
Jeff Seyler
President
American Lung Association of the Northeast
Manhattan
