Flood Water Exposure
After a flooding emergency, finding clean running water can be difficult. Standing or flood waters may contain potentially dangerous materials, such as fecal material from overflowing sewage systems, agricultural runoff, and chemicals from industrial areas. Wading in flood waters can also be a source of infection or result in a variety of injuries. Buildings or facilities that have been damaged by or exposed to flood waters may also pose health risks from mold, chemicals, electrical hazards, and animal bites, such as from snakes.
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- Page last reviewed: December 5, 2008
- Page last updated: December 5, 2008
- Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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