Flood contamination risks are a real concern when dealing with home water damage. A toxic brew typically tainted with sewage, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, fuel and other chemicals, outdoor floodwater is a known source of indoor biological and chemical contamination. Residents returning to a flooded house need to be aware of the danger and take appropriate protective measures when spending time in the indoor environment. Here are three tips to minimize flood contamination risks:
- Dress for the occasion. Direct contact with floodwater is the most likely source of illness and infection. Minimize exposure by keeping bare skin covered and wearing protective clothing including long pants, long-sleeve shirt, boots, gloves, eye protection and a face mask approved for protection against airborne pathogens. If you sustain any cuts or puncture wounds, stop working in the house and seek appropriate first aid including antiseptic treatment and bandaging. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years and floodwater gets into an open wound, you might also want to consider a booster vaccination.
- Be wary of foods and beverages. It’s better to err on the side of caution and simply discard all food and beverages in the house, even if it’s unopened and appears to be untouched by floodwater. High levels of airborne bacteria and viruses are often concentrated inside the enclosed indoor environment after a flood and may contaminate unopened food and drink containers that haven’t gotten wet. Also, the FDA recommends that residents discard prescription drugs in a flooded house, as the original screw-top containers usually don’t provide a waterproof or airtight seal against contamination.
- Don’t ignore danger signs. Physical symptoms of bacterial or viral exposure are typically mild to moderate flu-like sickness or gastrointestinal illness. However, exposure to chemicals potentially found in floodwater may produce very different symptoms including dizziness, headache, visual disturbances, nausea and skin rashes. If any unexplained or unusual physical indications occur, discontinue flood recovery work, leave the house and seek medical advice.
Don’t take chances with flood contamination risks. Erring on the side of caution can prevent unexpected problems later.
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