Sewage Backup Health Risks A Comprehensive Guide

### Health Risks Associated with Sewage Backup Sewage backup refers to the discharge of raw or partially treated sewage into living environments, posing significant health risks to occupants. Exposure to sewage can lead to a range of infections, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal disorders. **Bacterial Infections:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. **Viral Infections:** Sewage can harbor viruses responsible for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, and Norovirus, which result in fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. **Parasitic Infections:** Sewage may contain parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, causing gastrointestinal problems, abdominal pain, and dehydration. ### Symptoms of Exposure to Sewage Exposure to sewage can manifest in various symptoms, including: - Diarrhea - Vomiting - Fever - Abdominal pain - Skin rashes - Eye irritation - Respiratory problems (coughing, shortness of breath) ### Safety Precautions: Is it Safe to Stay in a House with Sewage Backup? Staying in a house with sewage backup is generally not advisable due to health risks. If sewage has entered the living areas, it is essential to: - **Avoid Contact:** Stay away from contaminated areas and do not touch or inhale sewage. - **Ventilate:** Open windows and doors to circulate air and reduce odor. - **Contact Professionals:** Engage the services of a licensed Sewage Cleanup Service immediately to mitigate the situation and prevent further health hazards. ## Professional Sewage Cleanup Services: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind Sewage Cleanup Services provide comprehensive solutions for cleaning and disinfecting sewage-contaminated areas. Highly trained professionals adhere to stringent protocols to minimize health risks and restore living spaces to a safe and habitable condition. **Services Provided:** - Emergency Sewage Cleanup - Water Damage Restoration - Odor Control - Mold Remediation - Sanitation and Disinfection - Structural Drying By employing advanced equipment and specialized cleaning agents, Sewage Cleanup Services effectively remove sewage, eliminate harmful microorganisms, and restore properties to pre-flooding conditions.