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Asbestos and Lead
After the Flood
Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. If you know or suspect that your home contains asbestos, contact the EPA TSCA Assistance Information Service at (202) 554-1404.
For more information, please visit the Asbestos section of the EPA’s website.
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 National Lead Information Center at 1 (800) 424-LEAD [5323] for more detailed information.
For more information, please visit the Lead section of the EPA’s website.
Septic Systems
If you have a home septic system, avoid using the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house. Proper clean-up depends on the types of chemicals in the wastewater. Remember, whenever the water table is high or your sewage system is threatened by flooding there is a risk that sewage will back up into your home. The only way to prevent this backup is to relieve pressure on the system by using it less.
For more information, please visit the Septic Systems - What to do after the Flood section of the EPA’s website.