Warnings for residents of flood-affected areas: Dangerous mold and fungi harmful to life and health can appear in buildings that have been flooded. The reason is high humidity in the rooms. Dr. hab. inż. Krzysztof Matkowski, vice-chairman of the Polish Association of Building Mycologists, indicated that these fungi can form colonies of various colors, from black to red and purple, with the most commonly encountered being dark fungi of the genus Cladosporium.
Fungi Dangerous to Life and Health: The expert emphasizes that fungi are allergens, can cause fungal infections, and are often toxic and carcinogenic. "When we enter a room and smell a musty, basement-like odor, we should leave immediately" - he adds. Staying in rooms where fungi are present can lead to lung infections, among other health issues.
However, in my opinion, what's far more dangerous is that these toxins accumulate in the body. The progression of such a fungal infection can be slow and hard to detect, often mistaken for other ailments - like someone coughing and thinking it's just a regular cold
- he highlights. He also notes that combating fungi in flooded buildings is difficult, especially since drying out these buildings can take several years.
IMGW Weather Forecast for the Coming Hours: According to the institute, the weather in the coming days will be favorable for drying out flood-affected areas in southwestern Poland. The forecast from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management indicates that the coming days will be sunny, warm, and rain-free across the country. Maximum temperatures will range from 19°C along the coast and in mountain valleys to 25°C in the west and north. In some places, fog may appear at night and early morning, reducing visibility to 200 meters.
