Georgia State University News & Events

University Relations Tip Sheet - September 25, 2009

With recent floods, mold affects more than carpet
Mold spores already exist in building materials before a flood strikes. But when exposed to moisture, the fungi can bloom and cause serious damage and health problems. And according to Georgia State University microbiologists, it doesn't strike just carpet alone. Mold spores can bloom on ceiling tiles, sheetrock, and even concrete, said Sidney Crow, professor of biology at Georgia State. And they don't grow while submerged - they grow from the residual moisture left behind. "Generally, when the materials are completely saturated, it doesn't grow fast, but as the moisture content drops down into the 80 to 90 percent range, mold can grow within 72 hours," said Crow, a professor of applied and environmental microbiology who studies filamentous fungi like mold. "This depends on the amount of mold that’s present in the first place, but sometimes, growth may not occur for several weeks." Crow advises those who are removing or cleaning up mold to use a face mask to avoid breathing in mold particles. In those who tend to be allergic, contact should be minimized and gloves should be worn. Newer construction materials, such as ceiling tiles, air conditioning filters, paints and wallboards contain mold inhibitors to help mitigate the problem. Mold and bacteria in the wake of a flood can also contaminate food stuffs - even items which are well-sealed. "I would get rid of pasta, even cans - anything that was submerged," said George Pierce, professor of applied and environmental microbiology. "If you have a refrigerator, you need to get everything out of it. Once you get mold in a refrigerator, you're never getting it out." To speak with Crow or Pierce, contact Jeremy Craig at 404-413-1357 or jcraig@gsu.edu.

Georgia State professors available to discuss the impact of floods on insurance
Now that President Obama has officially approves "disaster declaration" in four metro Atlanta counties, what’s next? The recent flooding in Georgia is likely to bring a mix of higher insurance costs and insurance issues to those in the path of the destruction. Georgia State University professors Robert W. Klein, associate professor and director of the Center for Risk Management and Insurance Research; and Martin F. Grace, professor of risk management, legal studies and associate director of the Center for Risk Management and Insturance Research, are both available to discuss flooding risk, statistics and the regulation of property insurance markets. For more information, contact Leah Seupersad at 404-413-1354 or lvh@gsu.edu.

Entrepreneurs not tapping SBA loans; need to think like bankers
To help stimulate the economy, the government has enacted a program designed to get more loans to entrepreneurs through Small Business Administration funding. Yet, many entrepreneurs still find it challenging to obtain loans. L. Gregory Henley, director of the Herman J. Russell Center for Entrepreneurship at Georgia State's Robinson College of Business, says entrepreneurs need to "think like bankers" as a means to tap the stimulus finding. Henley is available to discuss the state of entrepreneurship and the economy. For more information or an interview, please contact Leah Seupersad, 404-413-1354 or lvh@gsu.edu.

Happenings at Georgia State University

Steve Nygren of Serenbe to give lecture on balanced growth
The Urban Land Institute suggests that 70 percent of future building will occur on greenfield sites. So how can we accommodate our growing population while developing in the most responsible way, ensuring the health of our environment and our wallets? Steve Nygren will share the story of Serenbe and the Chattahoochee Hill Country, along with lessons of balanced growth that preserve land and protect air and water quality during Georgia State University Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility's program to be held at the downtown Atlanta Capital City Club on Oct. 14 at 7:30 a.m.

Miller Lecture to feature author/scholar Geoffrey R. Stone
The College of Law will host University of Chicago Prof. Geoffrey R. Stone who will discuss "The Second Great Awakening: A Christian Nation," for the Henry J. Miller Distinguished Lecture at noon on Oct. 15 at the Georgia State Student University Center at 44 Courtland Street in downtown Atlanta. Stone is the Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago and is currently a visiting professor at New York University. He is the author of several books, including "Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime from the Sedition Act of 1798 to the War on Terrorism," which won several awards, including the 2005 Robert F. Kennedy Book Prize. He served as a law clerk to Justice William J. Brennan Jr., of the Supreme Court of the United States.

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