Air
Quality Problems Caused by Floods
How Are Floodwaters an Indoor Air
Quality Problem?
During a flood cleanup, the indoor air
quality in your home 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 in the home can become a breeding ground for
microorganisms: bacteria, mold, and viruses. They can cause disease,
trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long
after the flood.
What Are the Health Effects?
Standing water is a breeding ground for
microorganisms, which can become airborne and then can be inhaled.
When floodwaters contain sewage or decaying animal carcasses, infectious
disease is of concern. Even if the water appears clean, microorganisms
can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For these health
reasons, and also to lessen structural damage, all standing water
should be removed as quickly as possible.
Excess moisture in the home is an indoor
air quality concern in several ways:
- Microorganisms in floodwaters 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 cause illness.
- High humidity and moist materials
provide ideal environments for the excessive growth of microorganisms
that are always present in the home. These situations may result
in additional health concerns such as allergic reactions.
- Long-term increases in humidity
in the home can also foster the growth of dust mites. Dust
mites are a major cause of allergic reactions and asthma.
How Can I Reduce the Moisture in My
Home?
Drying out can take several weeks and
microorganisms will continue to grow as long as the moisture and humidity
levels are high and as long as there are damp items in the home. Materials
such as carpet that cannot be adequately dried out should be discarded.
Steps you can take to help reduce moisture in your home include the
following:
- Open the doors and windows, especially
if the humidity is higher inside than outside of the house.
- Open all closets and cabinet doors
to allow the air to circulate. Open drawers as soon as possible
because unopened drawers may swell, making it hard to open them
when they are dry.
- When the electricity is back on,
turn on fans to help air out your home.
- Do not use the air conditioner or
the furnace blower if they were under water. You might be blowing
contaminants from sediments left from the excessive water.
- Clean or hose out ventilation ducts
before using the air conditioner or furnace.
- Use a dehumidifier and/or desiccants
to dry out your home.
- If the damage is extensive, you
may want to call a contractor who specializes in water extraction.
What Indoor Air Problems Are Caused
by Floodwaters?
Asbestos
is a mineral fiber commonly used in the past in a variety
of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire
retardant. Some products that may contain asbestos are pipe
and furnace insulation materials; asbestos and cement shingles,
siding, and roofing; millboard; resilient floor tiles, the backing
on vinyl sheet flooring, and floor tile adhesives; soundproofing
or decorative material; patching and joint compound; certain
fireproof gloves; and stove pads. However, most products made
today and in the past do not contain asbestos. Asbestos can
cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal
linings), and asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can
be fatal). The risk of lung cancer increases with the number
of fibers inhaled.
- Asbestos,
when damaged by a flood, should be repaired or removed by
a professional. Repair usually means either covering or
sealing the asbestos material. Covering involves placing
a protective wrap over or around the material that contains
asbestos thereby preventing the release of fibers. Sealing
involves treating the material with a sealant that either
binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material
so no fibers are released. Repair is usually cheaper than
removal, but some repairs may make it more difficult to
remove the asbestos later if the need arises.
Biological
contaminants are or were living organisms. Common
indoor biological contaminants are bacteria, molds, mildew,
viruses, animal dander, house dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen.
Nutrients and moisture are necessary to support biological growth.
A flooded home can contain both of these conditions. Biological
contaminants can trigger allergic reactions and asthma, and
some can release disease-causing toxins that can damage the
liver, central nervous system, digestive tract, and the immune
system.
There are several ways to reduce your
exposure to biological contaminants:
- Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged
carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or
consider removal and replacement. If your carpet was completely
underwater, it should be removed.
- Bleach (1/2 cup to a gallon of water)
will remove mold and mildew from bathtubs, walls, floors and many
other surfaces.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep relative
humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.
- Maintain and clean all appliances
that come in contact with water. Have a professional inspect and
clean electrical appliances.
- Change the filters on heating and
cooling systems as specified in the manufacturer’s directions.
Carbon
Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced
as a result of incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels
such as coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, and fuel oil. When
houses are flooded and occupants are without electricity, people
sometimes attempt to use gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves,
and lanterns indoors. Using these devices indoors poses serious
safety risks and is strongly discouraged. Devices that are designed
for outdoor use should never be used indoors. Using these devices
can result in high levels of carbon monoxide, which can cause
death.
Here are several ways to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
- Open flues when fireplaces are in
use.
- Do not use ovens and gas ranges
to heat your residence.
- Do not burn charcoal inside your
home.
- Use proper fuel in kerosene space
heaters.
- Use unvented gas or kerosene space
heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
- Never leave a car or any engine
running in an enclosed area (such as a garage).
- Use a carbon monoxide detector that
meets Underwriters Laboratories Inc. standards, has a long-term
warranty, and is easily self-tested and reset to ensure proper
functioning.
Lead
Approximately 64 million homes, or 83 percent of the privately owned
housing units built before 1980 have lead-based paint somewhere in
the building. Nearly one-fifth of these residences are home to families
with children under the age of seven. Lead can also come from the
solder or plumbing fixtures in the home, fishing lure weights, ceramics,
and bullets. A flood in the home can expose the residents to lead
from deteriorating paint, contaminated soil, and dust from peeling
or chipping paint. Young children are especially vulnerable. Elevated
lead levels can cause brain damage, stunt a child’s growth, damage
kidneys, impair hearing, cause vomiting and headaches, and cause learning
and behavioral problems. In adults, elevated lead levels can increase
blood pressure, nerve disorders, sleep problems, muscle and joint
pain, and mood changes.
You can do several things to reduce
your exposure to lead:
- If the paint is not intact, it needs
to be inspected for lead, and if it has to be removed contact
a qualified contractor.
- Mop floors and wipe window ledges
and other areas with an all-purpose cleaner.
- Make sure everyone washes their
hands before meals, naptime, and bedtime.
- Keep children away from areas where
paint is chipped or peeling. Stop children from chewing on windowsills
or other painted surfaces.
- Children should eat a balanced diet
with plenty of foods that contain iron and calcium. A child who
gets enough of these minerals will absorb less lead.
Permission to reprint
granted by the National Safety Council, a membership organization
dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.
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