Can Sewage Exposure Cause Long-Term Health Problems?

Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxic chemicals. When you breathe in contaminated dust or touch dirty water, those pathogens can enter your body. Short-term symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, and fever. For some people, these symptoms clear up after a few days.

However, repeated or heavy exposure can cause more serious conditions. Hepatitis A, tetanus, and certain parasitic infections are possible. In rare cases, long-term lung problems develop from inhaling mold or bacteria that grow in sewage. Your overall health matters too. People with weak immune systems face higher risks.

Act quickly to protect your health. First, keep everyone and pets away from the affected area. Open windows if safe to increase air flow. Wear rubber gloves, boots, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Avoid touching your face.

Remove standing water and any items that soaked through. Discard porous materials like carpets and drywall that cannot be fully cleaned. Use soap and water for hard surfaces, then disinfect with a bleach solution. Keep children and vulnerable adults out until everything is dry.

• Shut off power to affected rooms
• Use a wet-dry vacuum for standing water
• Bag and throw away soaked fabrics
• Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup
• Never mix bleach with ammonia

After a sewage backup, take steps to reduce the chance of it happening again. Avoid flushing heavy items like wipes, diapers, or cooking grease down drains. Have a plumber inspect your pipes and sewer line if you notice recurring clogs.

Keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop water quickly in an emergency. If you live in Chapel Hill, consider that local conditions may affect your sewer system. Regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing health hazards down the road.