ST. LOUIS – When a tornado strikes, the immediate destruction is obvious, but after skies clear, many families are left to deal with damage that isn’t just cosmetic.
It’s dangerous.
In the days and weeks following these natural disasters, many return to homes that are no longer safe. And even if the structure is still standing, the damage can be invisible and potentially toxic.
Travis Boyer is the owner of Moldman St. Louis, he told FOX 2. “Mold can get on just about any surface inside of a home. It can grow just from elevated humidity. You don’t want your home to be a petri dish.”
Some families are left with no choice but to live in these compromised conditions.
Larry Thompson’s home was hit heavily last Friday. As were his family, who all live in the same block.
“The roof came down, we lost brick, we lost foundation, roofing papers have been blowing off,” Thompson said. “So, we’re getting water in this house and right now that means we’re gonna have to look at mold infestation, gutting the whole entire house or condemning the house due to mold.”
Breached houses allow in moisture and with moisture comes the greatest threat, which Boyer states you might smell the musky scent before you see the mold.
Remediation experts suggest using humidifiers whenever possible.
It’s common during the summer months for homeowners to turn off their AC when leaving for multi-day vacations.
“Mold can grow just from elevated humidity. You don’t want your home to be a petri dish,” Boyer said.