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Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which can cause serious illness. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards sewage presents, particularly for the very young or very old, or for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems. [Note: Ad or content links featured on this page are not necessarily affiliated with The Clean Trust and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by The Clean Trust.]
The Clean Trust compiled guidelines for professional sewage clean-up called the Standard for WaterDamage Restoration (S500). Here are key facts homeowners should know about sewage back-ups:
- Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic or disease causing fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage clean-up should have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
- Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on chemotherapy, on certain prescription drugs, or are AIDS victims.
- It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
- Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly. This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too. There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
- Only highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. A third-party indoor environmental professional should provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure the home or building is safe to re-occupy.
To find trained sewage clean-up professionals in your area, call The Clean Trust hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers.
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