Perceptions About Messaging and Constructs Relevant to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use During Mold Cleanup Among Persons Affected by Hurricane Ida - Louisiana, USA, 2021

Details

• Personal Author:
  Omari, Amel ; Foreman, Anne M. ; Haas, Emily J. ; Moore, Susan M. ; Damon, Scott A. ; Marks, Kristin J. ; Troeschel, Alyssa N. ; Park, Ju-Hyeong ; Cox-Ganser, Jean M. ; Reilly, Anna ; Bakshi, Arundhati ; Soileau, Shannon ; Jacob, Colette R. ; Chew, Ginger L.
• Description:
  Objective: Research suggests that PPE is underused during mold cleanup after hurricanes, despite mold's association with adverse health outcomes. This study aims to improve understanding of decision-making around PPE use to shape messaging after natural disasters. Methods: A convenience sample of adult residents and workers in Louisiana parishes affected by Hurricane Ida responded to closed- and open-ended questions about mold cleanup perceptions. Content analysis drew on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Results: Qualitative findings indicate that perceived barriers to PPE use included discomfort and inconvenience. Many respondents understood important concepts related to respirator user seal checks and/or fit tests; some responses indicated misunderstandings. Many sample residents (n = 150/238, 63%) and workers (n = 40/68, 59%) had not encountered state-driven health messages about mold cleanup. Conclusions: Results could inform message development for promoting recommended PPE use in hurricane-affected areas.
• Subjects:
  Cyclonic Storms Emergency Responders Fungi Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Mold; Personal Protective Equipment; Natural Disasters; Health Belief Model; Health Communication; Qualitative Research Hurricanes; Disaster Clean-up; Personal Protective Equipment; PPE; Decision Making; Information Dissemination; Qualitative Analysis; Molds; Health Communications;
• ISSN:
  1076-2752
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Ohio ; West Virginia ; Pennsylvania ; Georgia ; Louisiana ; Chicago Region [OSHA] ; Philadelphia Region [OSHA] ; Atlanta Region [OSHA] ; Birmingham Region [OSHA]
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  DFSE - Division of Field Studies and Engineering ; RHD - Respiratory Health Division ; DSR - Division of Safety Research ; NPPTL - National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  8 pdf pages
• Volume:
  68
• Issue:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20071084
• Citation:
  J Occup Environ Med 2026 Feb; 68(2):138-145
• Email:
  aomari@cdc.gov
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2026
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:b4184e59fe9940cf0b00218bc1891e0334304eb6c1538b7c6d0e7d31c2234f98b7e5edab081754d3092033643647a4aeb1737cdec0ca0db293a6bf37c5e54b50
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/257860/cdc_257860_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 176.53 KB ]