Public & Occupational Health Risks From Exposure To Sewage Contamination

The general public is at risk for infectious disease and other adverse health effects from exposure to untreated sewage through extensive backflows and sewage-contaminated flood waters. There is also a significant health risk from improper remediation of these situations. Workers who remediate sewage damage losses, as well as sewage treatment workers, and sewage sludge processors, are at risk for chronic respiratory disease, other systemic health effects, and a host of acute and chronic bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic diseases.

Floods: What To Do After The Flood To Clean Up

Flood Restoration and Advice by Emergency Preparedness Canada by Emergency Preparedness Canada

What to do Before and After

Beyond the human toll taken in lives and suffering, flood damage costs Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars annually. Though governments at every level work to reduce the risk of floods, the first line of defence always rests with the individual. Each of us has a responsibility to protect our homes and families to the greatest extent possible. By planning ahead and taking sensible precautions, you can do your part to minimize flood damage.

Flood Damage Restoration

Flooded homes should be thoroughly dried out, a process that may take several days or weeks.

Wet carpet and padding should be removed and discarded.

Porous materials -- those that absorb water -- such as sheetrock, some paneling, fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, mattresses, pillows, wallpaper and upholstered furniture should be discarded.

After the Fire is Out: Cleaning Household Textiles and Clothing

Fires cause considerable damage to homes and their contents; however, "after the fire" activities can cause more damage. It is important to take immediate, appropriate action. Carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture and clothing usually can be refurbished after a fire, except for scorched or severely water damaged items.

U.S. EPA's "A Brief Guide to Mold & Moisture in Your Home": Mold Basics

Mold Basics

• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.