Sewage Cleanup Services Health Risks and Symptoms
Can You Get Sick from Cleaning Up Raw Sewage?
Cleaning up raw sewage can indeed pose potential health risks. Raw sewage contains a variety of harmful microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Health Risks Associated with Sewage Cleanup
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Exposure to sewage can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Skin Infections: Contact with sewage can lead to skin rashes, boils, and other skin infections.
- Respiratory Problems: Inhaling sewage fumes can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Eye Infections: Exposure to sewage can cause eye irritation, redness, and conjunctivitis.
- Long-Term Health Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure to sewage can increase the risk of developing chronic health problems such as liver damage, kidney disease, and cancer.
Symptoms of Illness
If you experience any of the following symptoms after cleaning up raw sewage, seek medical attention immediately:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Severe skin irritation
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye pain or redness
Prevention Tips
To minimize the risks associated with sewage cleanup, follow these precautions:
- Wear protective gear: Use gloves, boots, goggles, and a mask when cleaning up sewage.
- Avoid contact with sewage: Do not touch or ingest sewage with bare hands or mouth.
- Wash thoroughly: After handling sewage, wash your hands and body thoroughly with soap and water.
- Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to allow for proper ventilation after cleaning up sewage spills.
- Contact professionals: If the sewage spill is large or hazardous, contact a professional sewage cleanup service.