Whether caused by a natural disaster, like a flood, or from
a malfunction or breakdown in a home's plumbing system, indoor sewage spills
require immediate attention. A number of disease-causing pathogens are present
in sewage, including viruses, bacteria and mold spores. The better the spill,
the more likely it is that human health can be adversely affected. Health
dangers increase the longer that it takes to conduct sewage cleanup.
Environmental factors, such as air temperature and humidity levels, can
exacerbate health hazards as well.
Stomach and intestinal infections can occur if the pathogens
related with waste are swallowed or come into contact with eyes or open wounds.
Because pathogens can penetrate porous materials, they can remain present on
surfaces for a significant period of time. Airborne mold spores can become
established on nearby surfaces, posing an ongoing threat to human health. When
a spill is due to a natural disaster like a flood, personal hygiene becomes
more difficult to maintain, increasing the likelihood of waste causing
communicable diseases, respiratory illnesses and diarrhea. Children, pregnant
women, people with compromised immune systems and pets should be kept away from
these spills until the area has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Sewage clean up can pose dangers to the health as well.
Protective masks eyewear, gloves and boots should be worn at all times and
should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or discarded after use.
Affected items and surfaces that come into contact with a
sewage spill must be cleaned to remove dirt and then disinfected to remove
pathogens, using commercial disinfectants or a solution of diluted bleach. Not
all items may be salvageable. Food, medicines and cosmetics should be
discarded, even if packaged. Toys made from porous materials should also be
discarded. Most fabrics can be saved with proper laundering or dry cleaning,
with the exception of textiles like leather.
While some handmade carpets and rugs may be able to be
salvaged with the assistance of professional cleaners using antibacterial
cleaning methods. Carpet and carpet padding should be thrown away. Paper
products, including cardboard, are typically discarded as well. A professional
restorer may be able to salvage valuable documents and photographs.
