The Health Risks of Sewage What You Need to Know
Exposure to sewage can pose a number of health risks, both short-term and long-term.
What is Sewage?
Sewage is the wastewater produced by homes, businesses, and industries. It typically contains human waste, food scraps, and other organic matter.
How Can I Be Exposed to Sewage?
- Contact with floodwaters or sewage spills
- Inhaling sewage fumes
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Working in a sewage treatment plant
What Health Problems Can Sewage Cause?
Exposure to sewage can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Skin infections, such as rashes, boils, and cellulitis
- Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and pink eye
- Respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
In some cases, exposure to sewage can also lead to more serious health problems, such as meningitis and encephalitis.
How Can I Protect Myself from the Health Risks of Sewage?
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from the health risks of sewage, including:
- Avoid contact with floodwaters and sewage spills.
- Do not inhale sewage fumes.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with sewage.
- Do not eat or drink anything that has been contaminated with sewage.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid fever if you are traveling to an area where sewage contamination is common.
If you have been exposed to sewage and are experiencing any health problems, it is important to see a doctor right away.