Assessing Post-Hurricane Mold Exposure Concerns in Eastern North Carolina

Background: Climate models predict that hurricane frequency and intensity will increase over the next several decades, severely impacting the coastal regions of the United States. Hurricanes can cause a variety of immediate and lasting environmental health problems. Residential mold growth is a common concern after hurricanes. This case study describes a community-engaged project to inform a local, community-level solution for mold treatment and prevention. Methods: University researchers partnered with the Robeson County Disaster Recovery Coalition. Focus groups, interviews, and surveys were conducted to understand eastern North Carolina residents’ concerns and experiences after Hurricane Florence. The findings from each were used to conceptualize local solutions for mold education and to pilot a tool-lending library with materials for mold treatment and prevention. Results: Hurricane survivors repeatedly expressed concerns about mold-related respiratory issues, stress related to continually cleaning mold in their homes, and the lack of appropriate tools needed to clean their homes. Many residents were not aware that they should wear protective equipment while treating mold. Community leaders noted the importance of distributing financial and material aid and information during every phase of a natural disaster. Conclusions: Given the high cost and limited availability of professional remediation services following a hurricane, it is likely that many impacted residents will attempt to perform mold cleanup themselves. Thus, state agencies and community organizations should increase access to educational, material, and financial resources for residents to safely and effectively perform mold abatement until professional services are available. Providing such resources will likely reduce mold-related respiratory issues and improve residents’ confidence in their work.