Health Risks and Symptoms of Sewage Exposure

Sewage, primarily wastewater originating from homes, businesses, and industrial facilities, poses significant health risks due to its contamination with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, and suspended solids. Exposure to sewage can result in a range of adverse health effects, depending on the route and extent of exposure.

How Does Sewage Affect Human Health?

• Ingestion: Consuming contaminated water or food can lead to gastrointestinal infections, such as salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus, causing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Inhalation: Breathing in sewage-laden air can result in respiratory infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide or methane gases present in sewage can lead to dizziness, confusion, and even asphyxiation.
• Skin Contact: Direct contact with sewage can cause skin irritation, rashes, and in severe cases, infections. Exposure to sewage-contaminated soil or surfaces can pose similar risks.

Mitigating the Health Hazards of Sewage

Proper sewage cleanup services are crucial to mitigate the health risks associated with sewage exposure. These services involve the following measures:

• Emergency Sewage Removal: Prompt removal of raw or contaminated sewage is essential to prevent further contamination and exposure.
• Disinfection and Sanitation: Thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected areas using EPA-approved disinfectants eliminate pathogens and prevent their spread.
• Property Restoration: Remediation of contaminated structures, including walls, floors, and fixtures, involves drying, mold removal, and restoration to ensure a safe and habitable environment.

Professional Sewage Cleanup Services

Professional sewage cleanup services offer the expertise and equipment necessary to effectively address sewage-related health hazards. They follow industry best practices to ensure the safety of occupants and the environment during and after cleanup operations. Contacting a reputable sewage cleanup service is highly recommended to minimize the health risks associated with sewage exposure and restore affected properties to a safe and healthy state.