What to Wear Before Entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage

Key points

  • Cleaning up mold, whether from a small leak or a major flood, can present health and injury risks.
  • Learn what you need to wear to protect yourself in a mold-damaged building.
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Cover page for what to wear when cleaning mold.

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What to Wear before entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage

  • Goggles or eye protection
  • N-95 respirator or one that provides even more protection(check packaging for "N-95")
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Protective gloves
  • Long pants
  • Waterproof boots

CAUTION!

If you have a breathing problem like asthma, do not enter a building with mold damage. Mold can make asthma symptoms worse.

If you have a weakened immune system (such as from cancer treatment or medicines that suppress the immune system), do not enter a building with mold damage. People with a weakened immune system are more likely to get a serious illness from mold.

Children should also not enter buildings with mold damage.

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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health