To identify factors most likely to create hazardous respiratory conditions inside homes after flooding, an FSU team conducted health surveys and mold sampling five to seven months after hurricanes impacted the study area. They combined those results with lab analyses of indoor and outdoor mold spores and flood modeling to develop a building-scale database for analyzing the connection between post-hurricane environmental factors and respiratory health.

The team found that roof age, prevalence of indoor mold spores, and maximum flood depth led to the most new respiratory symptoms. Airflow rates in bathroom exhaust fans, how often people opened their window blinds, and the airtightness of the building were also important. “We know that resources for investment — for property owners and for outside agencies — are limited. This study gives a framework for what interventions can have the greatest impact,” says Yassir AbdelRazig.

• Ebrahim Ahmadisharaf
• Yassir Abdelrazig