What Are the Dangers of Sewage Backups?

Sewage waste is composed of various materials and wastewater. Sewage can include chlorine, soap, excrement, oils (such as motor oil and cooking oil), sanitary products and many other harmful waste products. One of the main concerns of a sewage backup is all the disease-causing microorganisms that can be released. Without a speedy cleanup of sewage, exposure to harmful contaminants can lead to disease.

E. coli & Enterococcus

• E. coli is a bacteria commonly found within the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. Coming into contact with E. coli can cause an infection, leading to severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Enterococcus is found in the intestinal tracts of humans, as well as in the female genital tract. Enterococcus infections can cause fever and urinary tract infections. If an Enterococcus bacterium enters the bloodstream, serious complications can result such as meningitis and damage to heart valves.

Inhalation and Ingestion

• Not washing your hands after waste exposure is risky.

  Backed-up sewage can result in flooding waste within your home. According to Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory Analytical, it is possible to inhale infectious agents. When microorganisms are released from a sewage backup, contaminated particles can be released into the air. If these particles are disturbed, such as in a clean-up process, the particles can be inhaled. Touching any contaminated waste without washing your hands also poses a risk. If you rub your eyes, nose or mouth, contaminants can enter these surfaces and cause illness.

Gastroenteritis

• Seek help if fever is high.

  Gastroenteritis is a virus that can be shed in human fecal waste. Coming into contact with sewage contaminated with the virus can cause inflammation of your intestines and stomach. Gastroenteritis can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea and cramping. You can develop a fever with gastroenteritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek medical attention if you have diarrhea and vomiting that lasts for a few days, have a fever of more than 101 degrees F or if you develop other worrisome symptoms.

Wound Infections

• Take care of any wounds.

  If you have a wound on your skin and try to fix a sewage backup, your wound becomes exposed to harmful bacteria. Bacteria can enter the wound and cause infection. Keeping a wound covered when handling a sewage concern can help prevent an infection. However, it is important that your wound be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with sewage waste. Medical assistance is necessary if drainage, redness and inflammation develop, or if swelling occurs.

Remediation

• The sooner a sewage backup is taken care of, the less of a risk there is for contaminate exposure. Minimizing contact with sewage waste can also lower the risk of infection. Areas contaminated by sewage should be thoroughly disinfected to prevent the spread of disease.