Several months have already passed since the catastrophic flood of 2021, from 14.07-15.07.2021, with its focus on the night, flooded entire areas of Germany with extreme masses of water.
No one will forget the images in the Ahr Valley, where entire houses collapsed under the persistent record rainfall and in some cases people and animals were unable to save themselves in the catastrophic flood 201. The flooding was particularly severe in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. The neighboring countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Austria were also affected in parts by this flood disaster. The floods of 2021 far overshadowed the storm years 2002 and 2013. The damage caused by the flood is estimated at over 29 billion euros.
Flood disaster 2021
Those who were directly affected by the catastrophic flooding in 2021, for example in Düsseldorf, initially had to contend with days of heavy rain. Basements filled up and many people were still confident that they could cope with the rising water under their own steam and with mutual aid. Water pumps, sandbags and many other measures were taken to prevent the water from rising further. The groundwater level rose and rose and pushed through the cellar walls. The street sewers could no longer cope with the water. Then it happened on the night of July 14-15, 2021: the cellars filled up and the first floors were full of water. Many residents had to leave their homes behind and the furniture, walls and floors were ruined.
Disaster flood 2021 – damp in basements and first floors – mold is spreading
The cellars and first floors of the houses were still damp for many weeks after the pumping out of the often contaminated water (heating oil, etc.) during the disaster flood of 2021. Yellow mud and dirt often settled on the floors and walls. Doors and frames were permanently damp and bent and were removed. Mold gradually spread in the affected areas. A few days after the flood, a moldy smell was already noticeable at the entrance to many houses.
In many of the houses affected by the flood, drying equipment was running for many weeks in preparation for the subsequent installation of electrical systems, new heating systems and flooring work, etc. It was only months after this summer that the houses slowly dried out again. It took months after this summer for the houses to slowly dry out again. Nevertheless, some houses are still not ready for occupation. They are still very damp and cold. Mold has continued to spread here and needs to be professionally removed.
Mold spread and countermeasures
“Mold” first becomes visible through the spread of mold spores. The circular beginnings of mold are caused by the growth of mycelium, the fungal filaments. The mold can then continue to grow by spreading via spores. Mold spores are also harmful to health if present in large quantities and exposed for long periods of time. They are generally found in normal ambient air.
The ideal conditions for mold growth are the right “mix” of high humidity, temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees and little air exchange (due to inadequate ventilation). Damp wood, lime or insulating materials are good breeding grounds for mold growth.
To prevent mold growth, wet building components should be dried as quickly as possible. The rooms should be kept at a temperature of at least 16 degrees and there should be no large temperature differences. To counteract the accumulation of high humidity, regular ventilation and cross-ventilation are important, especially in the cold season. In the event of high humidity, for example when showering or cooking, the room should be ventilated immediately.
Measure mold with SG10-2 measuring device
If you would like to measure mold, the GSA Messgerätebau GmbH offers a suitable measuring device for this purpose. Mold can be measured precisely with the SG10-2 measuring device and the matching GSP 3.5 sampling head. These can be used for stationary or personal measurements as in the work area. The standard working range is between 0 and 40 degrees. The respective duration of sampling can be individually programmed. With its rechargeable battery and lithium-ion battery, the measuring device is charged and ready for use in four hours. For mold measurement, the GSP 3.5 sampling head is also required for the SG10-2 measuring device.
If you have a pollutant concern and are interested in a suitable measuring device, the specialist team at GSA measuring devices GmbH will be happy to advise you. You can also contact us in advance using the contact form and send us your inquiry.
Sources:
Featured photo: Cellar full of mud after a flood (own source)
www.baubiologie-magazin.de/schimmel-ursachen-folgen-und-sanierung/
www.n-tv.de/politik/Rekordregen-verursachte-Rekordschaeden-article22913748.html
www.rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/duesseldorf/hochwasser-duesseldorf-das-grosse-aufraeumen-hat-begonnen_aid-61430113
www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/umwelt-haushalt/wohnen/schimmel-in-der-wohnung-6794
www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/rheinland/duesseldorf-erkrath-flut-hochwasser-bilanz-100.html