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Buildings and Facilities Damaged by Flood or Water
Health Risks
Returning home after a flood can expose people to disease and injury from exposed power lines to inhalation of mold. If you can see or smell mold, you should take steps to eliminate the excess moisture and to remove the mold.
Mold
The greatest risk for illness when returning to flood damaged homes, businesses, and other facilities is the buildup of toxic mold. Molds are simple microscopic organisms. They are found virtually everywhere and grow in dark, moist environments like flooded homes and buildings. When molds are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic reactions. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. Infants, children, immuno-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions (allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity and asthma), and the elderly appear to be at higher risk for adverse health effects caused by mold.
Chemical Hazards
Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood. Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.
Injuries
- Electrical Hazards
- Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water.
Reentering Your Home
- Reentering Your Flooded Home (CDC)
- Returning Home (FEMA)
Cleaning Up
- A Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture, And Your Home (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - EPA)
- Protect Yourself From Mold (CDC)
- Mold After A Disaster (CDC)
- Cleanup Of Flood Water (CDC)
- Respiratory Recommendations For Reentering Flooded Homes (CDC)
- Repairing Your Flooded Home (American Red Cross)
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- Page last reviewed: December 5, 2008
- Page last updated: December 5, 2008
- Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - healthywater@cdc.gov
