Health Risks and Symptoms of Sewage Backups
Sewage cleanup services are essential for maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Sewage backups can release harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your home, posing serious health risks to you and your family.
Health Risks
- Gastrointestinal illnesses: Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Skin infections: Sewage can also cause skin infections such as staph infections and cellulitis.
- Respiratory problems: Sewage can release toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Eye infections: Sewage can also cause eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Exposure
Symptoms of exposure to sewage can vary depending on the type of exposure and the individual's health. Some common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rashes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Eye irritation
Is a Sewer Backup a Biohazard?
Yes, a sewer backup is considered a biohazard. Sewage contains a variety of microorganisms that can cause serious health problems if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. If you experience a sewer backup, it is important to contact a professional sewage cleanup service immediately to ensure that the area is properly cleaned and disinfected.
Protecting Your Health
To protect your health from sewage backups, follow these tips:
- Call a professional sewage cleanup service immediately if you experience a sewer backup.
- Avoid contact with sewage water.
- If you come into contact with sewage water, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with sewage water.
- Stay away from areas where there is a sewer backup.
- Get vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis A.