What Are The Health Risks Of Flooding?
Flooding your basement or crawlspace can cause serious damage. Flooding can be an inconvenience, but many people are more worried about damage to their crawlspaces and basements. Floodwaters could carry pathogens such as mold and sewage contamination. These can cause long-lasting health problems. Flooding can affect anyone, but pets and children are more vulnerable than others. Flooding can also be dangerous for elderly persons, pregnant women, and people with immunodeficiency. These hazards can be avoided and you can keep your family safe from flooding or sewage backup.
What Are The Health Risks Of Flooding?
1. Mold
Flooding can cause mold, which is a major health risk. Although mold can occur after water damage, it is more common following groundwater flooding. Mold exposure can lead to allergic reactions such as watery eyes, skin rashes, watery eyes, sneezing and watery eyes. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks. Mold can cause severe symptoms in people with asthma or allergies. You can prevent mold growth by drying any areas that have been damaged by water within 48 hours. You can clean non-porous surfaces with warm water and soap. Then, rinse the area with warm water and soap. It should be dried. Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry porous surfaces. After drying, disinfect. Wash and dry the fabrics. Flooding can lead to mold. You should immediately drain the water and dry the affected area. The next step is to remove the contaminated materials. Mold-covered drywall, wall and flooring must be removed. Personal items, such as furniture, fabrics, and personal items, are also included. Clean the area with a disinfectant and then rebuild as necessary.
2. Consuming Contaminated Water
Water can become contaminated with bacteria and parasites due to flooding or sewage backups. Even water that is clean can become contaminated if left untreated. Floodwaters can lead to water contamination in your home. Keep pets and children away. Water supplies can also be contaminated by flooding. Follow boil-or-no-drink warnings. While contaminants in water can be harmful to anyone, they are especially dangerous for infants, nursing mothers, the elderly, and those with immunodeficiency. Bottled water is better for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Bottled water is best for babies that are still very young. Children and pets can experience symptoms from small amounts of contaminated drinking water. Different contaminants may cause symptoms to differ. The most common symptoms of contaminated water are nausea, vomiting and stomachache. Groundwater flooding is less common than other types of flooding but may still contain other contaminants. Groundwater can also be contaminated with gasoline, lead and pesticides or other poisons. If you suspect that floodwaters contain any of these poisons, contact a water damage restoration company for proper disposal and cleanup.
3. Carbon Monoxide
Flooding can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is another serious health risk. Another health concern from flooding is carbon monoxide poisoning. It is virtually impossible to detect because it is colorless. You can use portable generators to power your equipment, especially if the electricity is interrupted or knocked out. They can also produce carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and lead to death if inhaled at high levels. Avoid running generators inside enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, you may feel faint and lightheaded. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause headaches, confusion, and disorientation. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause the flesh under your fingers to turn red. Pets, children, and seniors are most susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. They are less likely to experience symptoms. It is a good idea to install and test a carbon monoxide detector. To ensure that you can hear the alarm while you sleep, it should be located near your bedroom. If you have a battery-operated device, it is recommended that the batteries be replaced every six months.
4. Cross-Contamination
Flooding can also lead to cross-contamination of household items. All metal and plastic items damaged by floodwaters should be washed, including kitchenware. As they can absorb contaminants, wooden utensils must be thrown out. It is also a good idea to get rid of porous toys, such as wooden blocks, that children play with. If they were left out in floodwaters, baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers need to be thrown away. Wash towels, pillows, and bedding for stuffed animals that have been contaminated. Drying books and other paper items is possible, but this may take more time than you realize.
What Are The Dangers Of Raw Sewage?
In addition to flooding, raw sewage can pose a danger to human health. Raw sewage backups may contain fecal matter and additional pathogens like Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli. If your basement has been flooded with raw sewage, you should wear rubber boards and protective gear. Do not eat or drink anything that has been contaminated with the water. Use a disinfectant to disinfect the area after sewage backup. A mixture of one cup bleach and one gallon of water will suffice. The most likely areas to experience sewage backups are basements and crawlspaces. Basements containing raw sewage can pose a number of dangers. There will be sewage underneath or inside your washer, dryer, hot water tank, furnace, and washer. You should inspect appliances that have a sewage backup. If not cleaned up properly, they can cause illness in pets and children.
Are You Looking For Help In Cleaning Up A Flood?
There are certified specialists in your area like 911 Restoration of Mesa. Call us at (602) 899-6888 now to schedule a visual inspection or for immediate Flood Damage Restoration.
