| Health Concerns Molds and Toxins:
New Orleans moldOur top personal concern as we prepare to go to New Orleans is a health concern. The city is a real challenge for those with respiratory illnesses – including asthma and allergies to molds. There are extremely high incidence of pneumonia and bronchial infections in the New Orleans area right now. If you have any of these health issues please consider the advisability of traveling to New Orleans right now. If you do decide to go, please consider how to care for yourself during the week.
- Be sure you have allergy and asthma medications with you for the most challenging reactions.
- Consider a personal air purifier that can be worn around your neck (Air Supply is one brand name made by WEIN products inc.).
- Take whatever you can to boost your immune system – based on your habits and /or your doctor’s advice (e.g. vitamin C, Echinacea, green tea).
- Plan to get good rest before the trip and while you are there.
Immunizations:
You should have an up-to-date tetanus shot (for folks working in toxic home sites this is usually interpreted as in the last 5 years!) Some medical providers recommend Hepatitis immunizations and some do not.
Work Clothes:
- For re-building: long pants and long sleeves recommended for protection, work boots / hiking boots / sturdy shoes, work gloves, work goggles
- Dressing for protection: for cleaning out/gutting in hot weather – take shorts and t-shirts you can wear under the white suits [consider modest clothing - not spandex, short shorts, or lots of bare midriff] and take latex gloves to wear under work gloves, work goggles, and washable or disposable shoes.
- N-95 respirator is recommended – disposal models will be available at the site [Please note that you should take an alternate pair of shoes for non-work times in order not to track the mold spores into low impact areas.]
The Rev. Shantia Wright-Gray
Mission Educator and
WAYS Coordinator for the
Worcester Area Mission Society, UCC
shantiawg@gmail.com
978-422-6256 home/office
508-450-2001 Cell
48 Main St.
Sterling, MA 01564
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