7 News Features: Mold

WSVN--These last couple of days of rain have resulted in leaky roofs and water seeping into homes. Tonight, water damage coupled with no electricity is leading to a major mold infestation.

Cynthia Holliday: "I really cannot believe this."

Insulation and dry wall hang from what once was the ceiling of Cynthia Holliday's bedroom.

Cynthia Holliday: "The upstairs carpet is soaked, the wood is soaked, the water's coming in through the walls and there's going to be mold, you can smell it with the door open now."

Same scene a couple of doors down, where this North Lauderdale condo is still covered in water. Water in the carpet, in the ceiling and on the walls is now resulting in mold...Which you can already see and definitely smell.

Errin Stone: "It smells terrible, it smells like a bunch of mold."

Now, Broward County's Health Department is warning the public about this potential health hazard.

Imad Madi from Broward County Health Department: "It's due to two things, one is water intrusion or high humidity in the home. If your humidity is about 50 percent or more, mold will grow and flourish."

And that's the problem. Water logged homes, still without electricity, are turning into the perfect environment for mold to grow in. That's why health department officials say get rid of it -- the sooner the better.

Imad Madi: "If you water coming in you need to get rid of that water very quickly because within 48 hours of the water staying there, mold will start growing."

People sensitive to mold or who suffer from allergies or asthma could experience coughing, wheezing or eye, skin and throat irritations. If that's the case, see your doctor immediately and have your home inspected. As for these families, it may be too late. Their homes have been redflagged as unsafe.

Errin Stone: "It's not safe. It's uninhabitable. There's water in the carpets so everything has to come up, basically rebuild everything."

Cynthia Holliday: "We're staying with friends we have nowhere to go."

Mold should be cleaned as soon as you see or smell it. First, make sure you stop any leaks, then clean the area using 10 parts bleach to 1 part water for small areas. For larger areas, consult a mold removal company.

Broward County Health Department:
http://www.browardchd.org