Health hazards affecting the NE flood victims include bacteria and their endotoxins, chemicals, asbestos, and mould with exotoxins and mycotoxins. These contaminates and pathogens can have far reaching health effects long after the restoration and contractors have disappeared.
(PRWEB) November 26, 2009 -- Flood or “Blackwater” is known to carry up to 1500 bacterial and 120 viral infections and these pathogens can cause a variety of health issues including heart disease.
Simple care about covering wounds and grazes, washing hands properly and hand to mouth contact are obvious areas of concern but the government 2008 Pitt Review of the 2007 NW floods in Hull & Gloucester stated that 39% of all family’s health was affected, See Pitt Review Section 25:13
Flood water will run over fields where sewage, chemical fertilisers are spread, overrun sewers and run through industrial factories picking up contaminates.
While the initial risk is from waterborne health hazards and touch, drying out the property will result in the development of airborne contaminates including bacteria, chemical residue, mould spores and resultant endotoxins or mycotoxins.
Building Forensics have launched a new service to flood victims by identifying correct contractor procedures or protocols and provide meaningful investigations into health risks and sanitation.Doing it right first time saves both money and time.
Sampling and analysis includes:
Presence or levels of:
1. Bacteria live and endotoxins
2. Volatile Organic Compounds
3. Mould viable and non viable
4. Mould (exotoxins)
5. Chemical contamination generally
Building forensics are now also providing flood victims with expertise to ensure that that property is restored quickly and effectively by monitoring contractor actions which include assessments of:
1. Health & Safety assessments (Legal requirement for all workplaces)
2. Asbestos risk assessment (Legal requirement in all properties built before 1999)
3. Evidence of contractor professional competence.
4. Example of a drying and sanitation certificate
5. Drying goal
6. Sanitation procedures
These investigations should be paid for by insurers who, where they engage nominated contractors to restore your property have a duty to ensure safety and correct procedures are followed.
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