Flood Cleanup:
Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office 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 are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.
They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long
after the flood.
This fact sheet discusses problems caused by microbial growth, as well as other potential
effects of flooding, on long-term indoor air quality and the steps you can take to lessen
these effects. Although the information contained here emphasizes residential flood
cleanup, it is also applicable to other types of buildings.
Prepare for Cleanup
Obtain a copy of the free booklet, Repairing Your Flooded Home , from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or your local chapter of the American Red Cross (see
listings at the end of this fact sheet). Read that booklet carefully before cleanup
because it discusses flood safety issues and can save your life. The booklet also contains
detailed information on proper methods for cleaning up your home.
This fact sheet provides additional information, not covered in the FEMA/American Red
Cross booklet, on indoor air quality concerns related to flooding. Many of the methods
used for general cleanup, as detailed in the booklet, are the same as those used to avoid
problems with indoor air quality. For brevity, we have not provided detail on the general
methods used for cleanup here. This fact sheet is intended to be used in conjunction with
the FEMA/American Red Cross booklet.
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Avoid Problems from Microbial Growth
Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and be
inhaled. Where floodwater contains sewage or decaying animal carcasses, infectious disease
is of concern. Even when flooding is due to rain water, the growth of microorganisms can
cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For these health reasons, and to lessen
structural damage, all standing water should be removed as quickly as possible.
Dry Out Your Home
Excess moisture in the home is an indoor air quality concern for three reasons:
Microorganisms brought into the home during flooding 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 make you
sick.
High humidity and moist materials provide ideal environments for the excessive growth of
microorganisms that are always present in the home. This 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.
See Step 4 of the American Red Cross/FEMA booklet, Repairing Your Flooded Home, on steps
that should be taken to open up and dry out ceilings, walls, and floors in the home.
Be patient. The drying out process could take several weeks, and growth of microorganisms
will continue as long as humidity is high. If the house is not dried out properly, a musty
odor, signifying growth of microorganisms, can remain long after the flood.
Remove Wet Materials
It can be difficult to throw away items in a home, particularly those with sentimental
value. However, keeping certain items that were soaked by water may be unhealthy. Some
materials tend to absorb and keep water more than others. As a general rule: Materials
that are wet and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be discarded, as they can
remain a source of microbial growth.
Information on the types of water-damaged materials that should be discarded are provided
in Step 4 of the American Red Cross/FEMA booklet, Repairing Your Flooded Home.
The booklet suggests that you may be able to dry out and save certain building materials
(for example, wallboard, fiberglass insulation, and wall-to-wall carpeting that were
soaked only with clean rain water; and plaster). You may, however, want to consider
removing and replacing them to avoid indoor air quality problems. Because they take a long
time to dry, they may be a source of microbial growth.
In addition, fiberboard, fibrous insulation, and disposable filters should be replaced, if
they are present in your heating and air conditioning system and contacted water. (If a
filter was designed to be cleaned with water and was in contact with clean rain water
only, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned before reinstalling.)
Avoid Problems from the Use of Cleaners
and Disinfectants
The cleanup process involves thorough washing and disinfecting of the walls, floors,
closets, shelves, and contents of the house. In most cases, common household cleaning
products and disinfectants are used for this task. FEMA also suggests the use of
disinfectants and sanitizers on the duct work for the heating and air conditioning system,
if it has been flooded.
Disinfectants and sanitizers contain toxic substances. The ability of chemicals in other
household products used for cleaning to cause health effects varies greatly, from those
with no known health effect to those that are highly toxic. Read and follow label
instructions carefully, and provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. If it is safe
for you to use electricity and the home is dry, use fans both during and after the use of
disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing products.
Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants together. Check labels for
cautions on this. Mixing certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in
injury and even death.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal at high levels.
Carbon monoxide levels can build up rapidly if certain types of combustion devices (for
example, gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal-burning
devices) are used indoors. Do not use combustion devices designed for outdoor use indoors.
Avoid Problems from Airborne Asbestos
and Lead Dust
Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials
present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and
mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. If you know or suspect that
your home contains asbestos, contact the EPA TSCA Assistance Information Service at (202)
554-1404 for information on steps you should take to avoid exposure.
Lead is a highly toxic metal which produces a range of adverse health effects,
particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based
paint may result in elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. If you know or suspect
that your home contains lead-based paint, contact the EPA lead hotline at 800 LEAD-FYI for
information on steps you should take to avoid exposure.
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