The Health Risks of Sewage Exposure What to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Sewage cleanup is a critical service that helps protect public health. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause a range of health problems. Exposure to raw sewage, even in small amounts, can lead to illness.

### Health Risks of Sewage Exposure

The most common health risks associated with sewage exposure include:

– **Gastrointestinal problems:** Sewage contains bacteria and parasites that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
– **Skin infections:** Sewage can also contain bacteria that can cause skin infections, such as sores, rashes, and boils.
– **Respiratory problems:** Inhaling sewage fumes can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
– **Eye infections:** Sewage can contain bacteria and parasites that can cause eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis.
– **Neurological problems:** In rare cases, exposure to sewage can lead to neurological problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion.

### What Health Problems Can Sewage Cause?

The specific health problems that sewage can cause depend on the type of bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are present. Some of the most common health problems that sewage can cause include:

– **Gastrointestinal infections:** These infections include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. They are caused by bacteria and parasites that are found in sewage.
– **Skin infections:** These infections include sores, rashes, and boils. They are caused by bacteria that are found in sewage.
– **Respiratory infections:** These infections include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. They are caused by bacteria and viruses that are found in sewage.
– **Eye infections:** These infections include conjunctivitis and keratitis. They are caused by bacteria and parasites that are found in sewage.
– **Neurological problems:** These problems include headaches, dizziness, and confusion. They are caused by toxins that are found in sewage.

### How to Protect Yourself from Sewage Exposure

The best way to protect yourself from sewage exposure is to avoid contact with it. If you come into contact with sewage, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You should also seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of sewage exposure.

If you have a sewage backup in your home, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service. Sewage cleanup services are trained to safely clean up sewage and prevent further exposure.