DANVILLE - Now that the massive clean-up from Tropical Storm Lee has started, homeowners are cautioned that dangers do not disappear just because flood water has receded.
"There are many dangers associated with flood waters that go beyond the structural damage they cause," said Michael Fitzpatrick, M.D., director of the Emergency Department at Geisinger Medical Center. "In flood-invaded homes, residents can be exposed to raw sewage, fuel oil or chemicals and other micro-organisms that can quickly reproduce causing a hazardous situation after only 48 hours. For this reason, homeowners involved in the clean-up effort need to take precautions."
Asthma and allergic rhinitis are the most common illnesses that present themselves during flood clean-up efforts.
"Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, occurs when the immune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. "Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include repeated sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes and itchy ears, nose and throat."
More serious illnesses associated with flood clean-up include tetanus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and E. coli.
Homeowners affected by the flooding should follow these tips to protect themselves against health-related hazards:
* Thoroughly clean all surfaces and items that have been touched by flood water in a solution of bleach and water.
* Materials that have absorbed flood water - such as upholstered furniture, stuffed animals and carpeting - may need to be discarded.
* Thoroughly wash hands in hot, soapy water or with an alcohol-based hand rub after they have come in contact with flood water.
* Discard food items that have come in contact with flood water or left in a refrigerator or freezer that has lost power.
* Cover open wounds with a waterproof bandage and keep them covered until completely healed to prevent infection.
* Wear gloves and masks during flood clean-up to prevent injuries by contaminated objects and to prevent inhalation of bacteria and dangerous fumes.
* Get a tetanus vaccine.
"Handling and cleaning contaminated materials can result in troublesome exposure to bacteria," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. "Individuals with respiratory allergies or other respiratory illnesses or people with open sores should not handle or disturb contaminated materials. As always, if symptoms become unmanageable, go to the doctor."
The most common health problem facing flood victims is mold, which doctors say can rear its head in the form of several different symptoms.
"When cleaning up after a flood, the most important message is to clean up and dry the rooms quickly to reduce the growth of mold," said David Fisk, M.D., pulmonary medicine department, Geisinger Medical Center. "Especially for those with allergies and asthma, it is important to get water-logged materials out of the house so mold growth is retarded."
Mold can start growing within the first 24 hours after a flood and can lurk throughout a home. It is important to check surfaces such as wood, upholstered furniture, glass, plastic or metal objects and carpeting. In the cases of wood, upholstered furniture and carpeting, most items will need to be discarded. Glass, plastic, metal and other nonporous materials can be cleaned with non-ammonia soap or bleach in a well-ventilated area.
"Mold affects the body principally through our nasal passages, mucus membranes and lungs," said Dr. Fisk. "Mold can trigger asthmatic episodes and cause allergic reactions such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation. In severe cases, allergic reactions to mold can cause fever, shortness of breath and lung inflammation."
Dr. Fisk adds that cleaning and drying the house should be done more quickly with exhaust fans and open windows. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners in a closed basement or house add even more moisture reduction to stop the growth of mold. Wet wallboard and the wet insulation behind it also needs to be removed and may require professional help. It is better to prevent the growth of mold on wet materials than to do mold remediation later.
"Working in a confined environment where mold is present can make people ill and mold exposure should not be taken lightly," said Dr. Fisk. "If any symptoms occur that might be related to mold exposure, patients should contact their physician who can determine the severity of the reaction and the most suitable course of treatment."