Effects of Flooding on Preexisting Mold Spores with in Drywall Sold by Distributors - Results of a Two-Year Study

Protocols for studying the effects of flooding on building materials need development. Validation is needed for common rules which form the basis of disposition of materials post flood. So called rules of thumb for removal of finishes including drywall after sustained flooding by industry and governmental organizations after wetting for 72 hours and lack of ventilation of the wetted surfaces were adopted into the experimental design of this study. The objective of this experiment was to examine whether preexisting mold spores within a drywall board, in addition to those already present in the air and flood water, contribute to mold damage after flooding. The study's protocol and experimental methods can be used as a reference for future related studies.