After Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in western Florida last week, some residents who evacuated the area are now returning to discover water damage in their homes. And they may soon find something else: mold.
Mold can begin to grow as soon as 24 to 48 hours after moisture exposure. And Florida’s subtropical climate, which remains hot and humid in October, makes it a perfect breeding ground. Even worse, mold will continue to grow until the source of moisture is eliminated.
As climate change ushers in heavier rainfall and more intense storms, mold is likely to become a more common problem. Warmer temperatures add moisture to the atmosphere,