State, doctors urge caution with cleanup

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State, doctors urge caution with cleanup

By J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press Writer | May 16, 2006

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/05/16/st

ate_doctors_urge_caution_with_cleanup/

CONCORD, N.H. --Many flood-related health hazards could get worse,

not better, once the water recedes from swamped homes, state

officials said Tuesday.

Breaking News Alerts That's because the water can leave behind

everything from mold and asbestos to raw sewage and toxic chemicals,

all of which can be costly and dangerous to clean or remove.

And it isn't just basements that are a problem, says Jim ,

spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Services.

Private drinking wells also can be contaminated.

" The general rule of thumb with that is if the flood waters have

reached your well head and encompassed your well head, it's a good

bet that your well has been contaminated, " he said.

If that's the case, residents are urged to boil any water for

several minutes before drinking or cooking with it. It is safe to

use untreated water for washing clothes and showering.

Residents can confirm water quality with test kits available from

Environmental Services, as well as private companies, said.

Cleaning contaminated wells involves pouring pool chlorine down them

and running it through the system, says Rick Patenaude, owner of

Contoocook Artesian Well Co. in Henniker.

If they take precautions, handy homeowners can do this themselves,

but Patenaude said he expects numerous calls for help once the water

recedes.

People also should avoid contact with any standing flood water, in

or outside the home. The water can be contaminated by sewage,

household hazardous waste and other dangers.

The state urges people working in or near such water to wear gloves,

goggles and a respirator or dust mask, and to avoid even breathing

the mist from contaminated water.

Health officials are particularly concerned about mold, which can

exacerbate asthma and allergies.

Ann Cooney, director of the state Division of Public Health, is

urging anyone with water problems at their home to run dehumidifiers

in any wet areas.

Residents also should remove any rugs, furniture or other materials

from areas that were flooded. Many items, such as carpeting, will

need to be professionally cleaned or discarded.

State officials say basements and hard surfaces should be cleaned

with a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water to help

prevent the growth of mold.

Because mold can grow anywhere there is moisture, completely drying

a flooded area also may require that ceilings, wallboard, insulation

and flooring be removed, says.

And that brings its own dangers. Older homes can contain asbestos, a

dangerous substance once used as an insulator. Only licensed

contractors should remove and dispose of asbestos.

Cooney also urges anyone cleaning flood debris to make sure their

tetanus booster is up-to-date because of the risk that such injuries

that can lead to infections.

Another serious danger is carbon monoxide, which can build up in

homes from fuel-burning equipment, such as gas-powered generators.

And open windows and fans won't prevent a buildup.

Officials also worry about the mental health of people evacuated

from their homes.

" There is some concern there about their mental health status and

whether they will have post traumatic stress, " she said. " Even

temporary relocation can have that effect on people. "

The state has mental health counselors available through the Bureau

of Emergency Management's hot line: 800-852-3792.