During a flood cleanup, indoor air
quality may appear to be the least of your problems.
However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to
reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term
health risks.
Standing water and wet materials are a
breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses,
bacteria and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic
reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the
flood.
The EPA offers the following
information for handling problems caused by microbial
growth, as well as other potential effects of flooding, on
long-term indoor air quality and the steps you can take to
lessen these effects.
Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for
microorganisms, which can become airborne and be inhaled.
Where floodwater contains sewage or decaying animal
carcasses, infectious disease is of concern. Even when
flooding is due to rainwater, the growth of microorganisms
can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For
these health reasons, and to lessen structural damage, all
standing water should be removed as quickly as possible.
Dry Out Your Space
Excess moisture is an indoor air
quality concern for three reasons:
• Microorganisms brought into the
structureduring flooding may present a health hazard. These
organisms can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials
and later be released into air or water. Coming in contact
with air or water that contains these organisms can make you
sick.
• High humidity and moist materials
provideideal environments for the excessive growth of
microorganisms that are always present in the home.
This may result in additional health
concerns such as allergic reactions.
• Long-term increases in humidity can
also foster the growth of dust mites. Dust mites are a major
cause of allergic reactions and asthma.
Be patient. The drying out process
could take several weeks, and growth of microorganisms will
continue as long as humidity is high. If the building is not
dried out properly, a musty odor, signifying growth of
microorganisms can remain long after the flood.
Remove Wet Materials
It can be difficult to throw away items.
However, keeping certain items that were soaked by water may be
unhealthy. Some materials tend to absorb and keep water more
than others. In general, materials that are wet and cannot be
thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be
discarded, as they can remain a source of microbial growth.
You may be able to dry out and save
certain building materials (for example, wallboard, fiberglass
insulation, and wall-to-wall carpeting that were soaked only
with clean rainwater). You may, however, want to consider
removing and replacing them to avoid indoor air quality
problems. Because they take a long time to dry, they may be a
source of microbial growth.
For information on mold prevention and
cleanup, visit www.epa.gov/mold or call IAQINFO at 800-438-4318.
In addition, fiberboard, fibrous insulation,
and disposable filters should be replaced, if they are present in
your heating and air conditioning system and have contacted
water. (If a filter was designed to be cleaned with water and was
in contact with clean rainwater only, ensure that it is
thoroughly cleaned before reinstalling.)
Avoid problems from the misuse of cleaners
and disinfectants. The cleanup process involves thorough washing
and disinfecting of the walls, floors, closets, shelves and
contents of the house. In most cases, common cleaning products
and disinfectants are used for this task.
FEMA also suggests the use of
disinfectants and sanitizers on the ductwork for the heating
and air conditioning system, if it has been flooded.
Disinfectants and sanitizers contain toxic substances. The
ability of chemicals in other household products used for
cleaning to cause health effects varies greatly, from those with
no known health effect to those that are highly toxic. Read and
follow label in-by opening windows and doors. If it is safe for
you to use electricity and the building is dry, use fans both
during and after the use of disinfecting, cleaning, and
sanitizing products.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless gas that can be lethal at high levels. Carbon monoxide
levels can build up rapidly if certain types of combustion
devices (for example, gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves
and lanterns, or charcoal-burning devices) are used indoors. Do
not use combustion devices designed for outdoor use indoors.
Avoid problems from airborne asbestos and
lead dust. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can
occur if asbestos-con-taining materials present are disturbed.
Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a
cancer of the chest and abdominal linings.
Lead
Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces
a range of adverse health effects, particu moval of materials
containing lead-based paint may result in elevated concentration
of lead dust in the air. If you know or suspect that your space
contains lead-based paint, contact the National Lead
Information Center to receive a general information packet, to
order other documents, or for detailed information or
questions.
Returning after a disaster can pose
significant health and environmental challenges, like leaking
natural gas lines, carbon monoxide poisoning, and asbestos
exposure. First, be sure your local authorties have cleared your
area for re-entry. Before you begin cleaning, seek advice from
public health authorities and help from specialty contractors.
Exercise caution when disturbing building
materials to prevent physical injury or other health effects.
Building materials may contain hazardous substances such as
asbestos that when carried by the air can be breathed in and
cause adverse health effects. If you are unsure whether
something contains asbestos or another hazardous substance,
treat it as if it does. For more information, go to
www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/,
www.lun-gusa.org/air/flood_factsheet99.html or
www.bt.cdc.gov/hurricanes/index.asp.
❑
