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Floodwater has Nasties in It
Health & Safety Alert:
Molds can pose a health hazard, especially for infants, the elderly and those with asthma, allergies or illnesses. If mold is present, or materials have not been cleaned and dried within two or three days of the floodwater receding, then vulnerable people should stay away during restoration and precautions should be taken to protect workers. Well-fitting respirators with toxic particle (purple) cartridges are recommended; dust masks are not adequate.
Use Caution with Flood Water
- If your home has been damaged by water from a leaky roof, you are in a much safer condition than someone whose home or business flooded from ditch, bayou or stream overflow.
- If you are not certain about the source of your flood water, you should treat the area as though it has germs, toxic chemicals and particles of hazardous materials in it.
- In many cases, flood water will have flowed through the local sewage system before reaching your property. If it has come from upriver, it may contain runoff from industrial and agricultural areas. Such water may have elevated levels of fecal coliform and chemicals.
- Flood waters may have picked up pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, gasoline and other chemicals commonly held in household storage areas.
- Some of the debris the flood deposited on your property may contain asbestos or be painted with lead-based paint. Generally these are harmless as long as they’re wet, but they need to be bagged while wet.
- The fruits and vegetables you did not harvest before the flood should be discarded. This applies to any food product which was maturing or mature at the time of the flood, both above and below ground.
- Examples include squash, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes and carrots.
- Most home garden plants will die from the flood. In the absence of specific research on the safety of produce from a plant which was exposed to flood water before fruit set, Extension recommends pulling up a flooded garden and replanting it.
For your safety
- Wear protective clothes, sturdy shoes and gloves while handling debris.
- Wear substantial waterproof gloves while cleaning flood-damaged areas and items.
- Keep your hands away from your face while cleaning.
- Allow plenty of ventilation through a flooded building.
- Keep children, pregnant women and people with special health problems away from flooded areas.
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| Last Updated: 9/26/2009 2:06:56 PM |
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