Surface Microbial Activity in Hurricane Ian Affected Homes in Relation To Environmental Factors.
Abstract
Introduction
Contaminated water from hurricane-related floods can lead to the growth of harmful microbes, which can pose a threat to human health and lead to several public health risks. In this study, we investigated the surface microbial activity and relevant environmental factors in Hurricane Ian-affected coastal homes.
Methods
Surface microbial contamination was assessed by swabs and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay kits to quantify microbial activity. Environmental factors (moisture, relative humidity and temperature) were measured by portable tools.
Results
The findings from 13 sampled homes are as follows - the levels of microbial activity (mean and SDs) in flood-affected homes were: 1) Floors: 583.1±1002.4 2) Door handles: 197.8±287.4 3) Table: 167.4±325.5 and 4) Walls: 35±55.6 RLU. The levels (means ± SDs) of temperature and relative humidity were: 24.60 ± 0.85 ° C, 64.0 ± 2.07 %. The surface moisture levels (means ± SDs) were as follows: 1) Walls: 11.1±4.2 2) Table:6.6±5.3 3) Floors: 4.5±6.1 %. The hidden moisture levels (mean ± SDs) were as follows: 1) Floors:23.8±20 2) Table:17.9±11.6 3) Walls:12.9±12.2 4) Ceiling:10.2±11.8%.
Conclusion
The different microbial activity and moisture levels on the floors, walls, and tables suggest that some areas of the homes are particularly susceptible to microbial growth. The presence of hidden moisture in the floors suggests that there may be ongoing water damage that is not visible to the naked eye. It is important to take post-flood steps to initiate remediation processes (removing wet materials, e.g. drywall and insulation, using dehumidifiers to remove moisture, cleaning, and disinfection). Continuous monitoring of homes for moisture and microbial growth is recommended.
Keywords: Hurricane Ian, Microbial activity, Hidden moisture.
Keywords
Hurricane Ian, Microbial activity, Hidden moisture, Environmental factors
Surface Microbial Activity in Hurricane Ian Affected Homes in Relation To Environmental Factors.
Introduction
Contaminated water from hurricane-related floods can lead to the growth of harmful microbes, which can pose a threat to human health and lead to several public health risks. In this study, we investigated the surface microbial activity and relevant environmental factors in Hurricane Ian-affected coastal homes.
Methods
Surface microbial contamination was assessed by swabs and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay kits to quantify microbial activity. Environmental factors (moisture, relative humidity and temperature) were measured by portable tools.
Results
The findings from 13 sampled homes are as follows - the levels of microbial activity (mean and SDs) in flood-affected homes were: 1) Floors: 583.1±1002.4 2) Door handles: 197.8±287.4 3) Table: 167.4±325.5 and 4) Walls: 35±55.6 RLU. The levels (means ± SDs) of temperature and relative humidity were: 24.60 ± 0.85 ° C, 64.0 ± 2.07 %. The surface moisture levels (means ± SDs) were as follows: 1) Walls: 11.1±4.2 2) Table:6.6±5.3 3) Floors: 4.5±6.1 %. The hidden moisture levels (mean ± SDs) were as follows: 1) Floors:23.8±20 2) Table:17.9±11.6 3) Walls:12.9±12.2 4) Ceiling:10.2±11.8%.
Conclusion
The different microbial activity and moisture levels on the floors, walls, and tables suggest that some areas of the homes are particularly susceptible to microbial growth. The presence of hidden moisture in the floors suggests that there may be ongoing water damage that is not visible to the naked eye. It is important to take post-flood steps to initiate remediation processes (removing wet materials, e.g. drywall and insulation, using dehumidifiers to remove moisture, cleaning, and disinfection). Continuous monitoring of homes for moisture and microbial growth is recommended.
Keywords: Hurricane Ian, Microbial activity, Hidden moisture.
