Health risks from water damage and sewage

In plain English

The S500 treats microbial contamination after water damage as a public health problem for both occupants and workers. Floodwater brings soil bacteria and fungi that can inflame and sensitize the airways; sewage adds infectious disease agents; and long-running dampness from slow leaks or condensation grows mold that harms both materials and people.

Sewage is the biggest concern. Unprotected workers risk respiratory disease and a range of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Trying to clean and dry sewage-soaked carpet in place can throw bacterial endotoxins, allergens and infectious agents into the air; careful removal and disposal is the safer route. The risk is highest for older people, infants, people recovering from illness, and anyone whose immune system is weakened.

Water damage that isn't dealt with quickly leads to fungal growth with allergic, toxic and infectious risks; the S520 covers mold health effects in depth. The S500's conclusion: protect occupants, and protect workers with training, immunization, engineering and administrative controls, and protective equipment.

Key points

• Floodwater: soil bacteria and fungi; sewage: infectious agents.
• Don't clean sewage-soaked carpet in place — remove it.
• Highest risk: elderly, infants, convalescents, immunocompromised.
• Protect workers: training, immunization, controls, PPE.

Official text

This topic is covered in our own words because the standard behind it is copyrighted; we cite it below rather than reproduce it.

Citations

• IICRC S500, ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration — Sec. 3, Health Effects from Exposure to Microbial Contamination in Water-Damaged Buildings, p. 26. Best practice

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