Dear Editor:
The American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic sends our thoughts out to all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. With the passing of the hurricane, people are well aware of the damage a storm like this can have on their homes and neighborhoods, but it’s also important to understand the harm a hurricane can do to a person’s health.

Damp basements and leaking roofs give mold a good chance to grow. Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in people who are allergic to mold. Anyone, with or without allergies, may experience irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs when exposed to airborne mold particles.

If you think that your house has mold you need to take action immediately. Breathing it in is a hazard and could affect you and your family’s lung health. Call a professional to help clean any mold growth that covers more than 10 square feet.