Flooding is one of nature’s most potent forces — unstoppable and potentially devastating. It can cause damage to property and loss of life. Floodwater also presents serious health risks due to the sewage or other chemical and biological hazards that can be present.
Beware Of Bacteria & Pathogens
Flood waters are often rife with bacteria and other pathogens. For example, E. coli is one of the most common bacterial contaminants in standing water. When ingested, it can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea, and even meningitis.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg — countless other dangerous contaminants in flood waters could cause you to become very ill if you don’t take proper precautions.
- Leptospirosis
- Rotavirus
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
- Hepatitis A
Spilled Chemicals & Toxins
Flood water can also contain chemicals and toxins from spilled or leaked substances, such as oil, fertilizer, pesticides, and more. Floodwaters are never something to be taken lightly, so it’s essential to be aware of these toxins and take the necessary precautions when cleaning up and recovering from a flood disaster.
Heavy Metals Often Found In Flood Water
Lead and mercury are two heavy metals often found in flood water. Not only are they dangerous to touch or inhale, but they can also seep into the soil and groundwater, posing a significant long-term threat to human health.
Don’t Risk Raw Sewage In Your Water
Floods can create a wide array of havoc, and the potential for released raw sewage is one of them. This kind of contamination damages the environment and puts people’s well-being at risk, often resulting in increased diseases and illnesses that can be difficult to treat.
Mold Loves A Flood
Mold is a huge concern in the aftermath of a flood. Unchecked mold growth can wreak havoc on your health and property. Taking immediate action to detect and remove mold and mildew is absolutely crucial to avoid long-term repercussions.
What To Do After The Water Recedes
It is crucial to properly clean and disinfect any contaminated areas. You must dispose of hazardous waste properly to avoid contaminating other locations. When in doubt, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for information on how to clean up safely.
Testing After A Flood Event
The waters may have receded from your property, but it could take some time for the environment around you to return to normal. That’s why professional post-flood environmental testing is so important — it can detect harmful contaminants that could make you sick.
Having your soil, air, and water quality tested and your home or business buildings tested for mold can help give you peace of mind that the environment around you is safe and allow you to take immediate steps to mitigate any hazards found.
Protect Yourself After A Flood
If your San Jose area home or business has flooded, it’s best to get professional help to ensure the property is safe for occupancy. Benchmark Environmental offers post-flood testing services to fill this need. We use state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to check for various contaminants, including bacteria, mold, asbestos, lead, mercury, pesticides, and more.
We also have water testing services to ensure your tap or well water is safe to use and drink. Please call us to discuss your needs and schedule a consultation today.