Water-borne Risks associated with a Flood or Natural Disaster

We are not really alien to flash floods and destructive hurricane. Once in a while these natural phenomenons strike our country and left us homeless, fatherless or childless.  There is no way we can be prepared in losing our homes, businesses or being left behind by someone we love.

What happened recently to our fellow Americans who were devastated by hurricane Sandy was nothing but scary and horrible.  Many lives were taken and billions-worth of properties was lost. Added wound to injury is the thought that there are water-borne risks associated with a flood or natural disaster that can be spread if there is no action to be taken. Below is overview if water-borne risk that can be avoided with proper knowledge.

 Water-borne risks

Flood waters and water damage from this emergency will pose special problems for the thousands of people with existing lung disease and may increase the likelihood of the development of lung disease. 

• Standing water remaining from any flood is a breeding ground for microorganisms. Bacteria, viruses, and mold can become airborne and be inhaled, putting people at risk for lung disease. With the reports of sewage and toxins in the water, the floodwaters here will likely exacerbate the growth of microorganisms.  Even when the flooding is due to a fairly clean source, such as rain water, the growth of these microorganisms can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• The greatest health risk for the general public in this emergency may come from water-borne microorganisms and toxins.  However, even after the water recedes, the contaminants, bacteria, viruses and mold left behind pose a risk to those with preexisting lung disease.  Exposure to these microorganisms and toxins may increase the risk of developing lung disease. In addition, the time spent in large group housing may increase the risk of spread of infectious diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
• Damp buildings and furnishings promote the growth of microorganisms, dust mites, cockroaches and mold, which can aggravate asthma and allergies and may cause the development of asthma, wheeze, cough and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible persons.
• After this emergency, contaminants and microorganisms may be inhaled during cleanup efforts, which also add to lung disease complications. Cleanup efforts will need to protect the workers and occupants from exposure to airborne particles and gases.
• The physical stress of dealing with the flood may also put a strain on people who are already ill or the elderly, providing an opportunity for respiratory infections and other sicknesses to arise.
• Much of the damaged materials and furnishings in homes and buildings will have to be discarded because of the spread of contaminated water. Simply drying out the water will not remove the contaminants or the microorganisms.
• After the flood or water damage, cleaning up is imperative. Materials which can be cleaned must be cleaned thoroughly. Materials which cannot be cleaned or are damaged beyond use must be discarded. Excess moisture indoors poses an indoor air quality concern for the following reasons:
• Areas with this high level humidity and moist materials provide an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms, which could result in continued or additional health hazards such as allergic reactions.
• Coming into contact with air or water that contains these microorganisms can make a person sick.
• Long-term high levels of humidity can foster growth of dust mites, which can cause asthma and trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
• Although the cleanup process can take a long time, it is necessary to protect health.  These are tasks that must be done:
• Stop the water intrusions first.
• Identify and protect vulnerable populations, which include children, the elderly and anyone with chronic diseases or a suppressed immune system.
• Identify the extent of the contamination. Be sure to trace the pathways of the water to find where damage has spread.
• Plan and carry out the cleanup.  The cleanup plan should include these steps:
• Contain the damaged materials and furnishings and protect workers and occupants from exposure to them.
• Clean and dry out materials that can be completely dried.
• Remove damaged materials that cannot be completely dried, including any materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried in 24 to 48 hours.
• Evaluate whether the space has been successfully cleaned.
• Repair and reconstruct the spaces to prevent or limit the possibility of recurrence.
• There are no accepted standards for airborne biological contaminants, including mold.  There are no accepted standards for interpreting sampling of the air to determine extent of a problem or clean up.
• Air cleaning devices can help remove some indoor air pollution, but won’t solve the problems alone.  Cleaning up the water, the contaminants, and the damaged furnishings and material are essential steps and nothing can substitute for them.  Avoid using air cleaning devices that emit ozone. Ozone has not been found to clean indoor air, including mold problems. Ozone can harm lung health, especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma and chronic lung diseases.

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