Hurricane Irma is long gone, but debris still remains

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Hurricane Irma’s fury battered central Florida. The storm is long gone, but her dangerous legacy lives on. It's become a lingering issue - month on from the hurricane, piles of debris still litter the sides of many Central Florida roads.

Kent Donahue, Orange County Health Dept. said it's literally taking our breath away. “If you have a chronic lung disease or asthma, you want to prevent the interaction with the mold,” he said.

Donahue said that, exposed to the elements, mold and mildew build-up inside the stacks of rotting wood and leaves. “Encourage you to limit your activity walking by the pile itself, your activity in terms of picking it up, whatever it is. Be aware of that, if you have those issues,” Donahue said.

Donahue advised anyone cleaning up the mess protect themselves. “If you've got to interact with it, take precautions. Wear the mask if you're going to pick it up and move it around. Wear the gloves, as well,” he said.

Donahue also mentioned to watch out for pests. The piles can become a home for mice and rats that can also get into your house and spread disease.