National Center for Healthy Housing

Flood Clean-Up Guide

A guide developed to help homeowners and contractors safely clean up homes damaged in floods is available immediately. Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes is a do-it-yourself booklet that provides easy step-by-step instructions on how to handle mold removal in flooded homes before starting to rebuild or renovate. Agencies working directly with individuals impacted by the floods can also receive a free shipment of printed booklets to distribute to those needing assistance. Read more>

Is the dust and debris from gypsum wall board dangerous to my health?

It depends on what is in the dust and how much of it one is exposed to. Gypsum board may contain mold, fiberglass, and other substances that if inhaled in sufficient quantities can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems. Even if none of these substances are present, gypsum board contains silica that can cause serious lung problems if inhaled.