Remember, Even Minor Exposure to Floodwaters May Bring Illness Symptoms in Humans
poppy johnson • July 5, 2020
Don’t go near floodwaters in Central Maryland, you could get sick!
People can become ill after being exposed to floodwaters in and around the home. This is important to know, since floodwaters are dangerous.
The reason for the cautions regarding floodwaters is because as they move across land, they pick up any contaminants that are already in the area. This can include contamination and microorganisms that are alive and well living in sewer system which become susceptible to the runoff of floodwaters rushing by.
There are various scientific and medical studies that have shown that when humans are exposed to floodwaters that the exposure may increase the risk of acquiring diseases, illnesses or symptoms
as a result of that exposure. Although in the US, it is unusual for a person to experience an increase in illnesses or symptoms because of the initial exposure to contaminated water, it can happen and precautions should be taken if you are living or working in or near these areas after a flood.
When floodwaters overtake an area, the flood is able to pick up a variety of contaminants, microorganisms, bacteria and viruses along the way. The floodwaters will deposit the contaminants that it is carrying whenever the water stops running. It is important to prevent the ingestion of water that has been contaminated by floodwaters, as that can lead to health symptoms and diseases.
People need to be aware that they can also come into contact with floodwater through flood-contaminated items. If they have touched, walked through, or tried to clean up floodwaters, the risk of exposure to the floodwater contaminants can be as high as 100%.
Floodwaters can harbor many diseases such as:
• Pesticides
• Harmful chemicals
• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Cryptosporidium
• E. coli
• Giardiasis
• Tetanus
• Vibrio vulnificus
The symptoms of diseases such as gastroenteritis include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Slight fever
• Skin rashes
The hazards that can be present in floodwaters also can include flammable liquids, storm debris, pesticides as well as household and industrial chemicals. Additionally, there can be human waste in water, dead animals or other serious diseases present in floodwaters and sewage runoff waters as the result of a flood.
When you experience water damage from floodwaters in Central Maryland, just give us a call. We understand, it is difficult and exhausting to clean it up. That’s where we come in! We are able to clean up all contaminants related to floodwater, and prevent the spread of hazardous and harmful diseases. We are able to come to you 24/7 for water damage restoration in Central Maryland and flooded basement relief. We are here for you, just give us a call at the first sign of floodwater or water damage.
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