http://abcnews.go.com/Health/hurricane-irene-fallout-trigger-allergies/story?id=14435658#.UEz-842PXNt
Last year, the entire East Coast was affected by the destructive forces of Hurricane Irene. Not usually accustomed to tropical storms or hurricanes, the northeastern part of the country has been dealing with the residual effects to this day. My study county of Essex, NY encompassing the Adirondacks suffered extensive damage. Many rivers flooded, washing out bridges, roads and homes. Due to the extensive residual water damage, the prevalence of mold has been a recent public health concern in the Essex County area. The local firemen, rescue workers and other relief volunteers are among those most severely impacted. These people responsible the role of clean-up were exposed to great amounts of dust and mold that included clearing and removing damaged property whereby microscopic mold was released into the air. This had led to the rise of respiratory illness within this population.
Furthermore, it is not just the rescue workers and other volunteers who have suffered from exposure to mold . Those people whose homes were damaged by water have been exposed to the high levels of mold that continue to proliferate within their houses. This respiratory illness has been further exasperated by a high pollen count. The flooded water has fed the water table and enhanced the growing conditions for ragweed and other allergens. The ABC news story that I found brings this public health hazard to light in areas hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, particularly areas such as Essex County that are unaccustomed to hurricanes and other tropical storms.
