Sandy's Hidden Danger? Mold, Report Says

Of all the possible human health risks associated with Superstorm Sandy's aftermath, there is one stealth danger that could become a public health crisis incredibly quickly: mold.

According to a report in the Gotham Gazette this week, residents of flooded homes are fighting to protect their homes from an invasion that lives behind walls and under floorboards, but can have a huge — and detrimental — health impact. 

The report said that homes which have had their power restored while insulation was still damp from floodwaters have the perfect recipe for pervasive mold growth. With other concerns top-of-mind as winter approaches, homeowners in Queens and Brooklyn could have an unhealthy mold infestation on their hands before they have time to react. 

While many residents in storm-ravaged areas are still worried about where they are living until their homes return to normal, mold could be quietly but quickly spreading, the report said.

Many, including Forest Hills' state Sen. Joe Addabbo, are working to help residents with these problems while they tackle other public health issues.

For more information, check out the Gotham Gazette story here.