Information on Micro-organisms in Water Damaged Structures

Micro-organisms are an important aspect of water damage especially when it is caused by grey or black water. Grey water is water from sewer sources that do not contain solid waste such as feces. Black water contains solid fecal matter. Grey water that is not promptly removed in at least seventy two hours becomes classified as black water. It is easy to see the importance of clean up in preventing diseases from the micro organisms carried in water.

In addition to micro organisms such as mold growing in wet wood from even clean or category one water, carpet and walls water damage from grey and black water contains bacteria that contaminate the areas damaged by water. These bacteria are frequently the coliform bacteria from the intestinal tract such as E. coli which produce deadly endotoxins in people and animals exposed to them. Another bacterium that causes devastating illness with water damage from overflowing septic systems is Vibrio cholerae. Viruses are also cared in grey water and black water. A major viral illness that becomes a problem is hepatitis A. Hepatitis B, polio and tetanus can also be transmitted in contaminated water.

To prevent these diseases it is important to remove all of the water as soon as possible. A company experience in water damage cleanup and restoration is essential to this effort. Finding one in the area is the first priority. Even after the water is gone the potential for disease exists and grows greater as time passes. Anything that can be completely dried can possibly be salvaged. If it cannot be dried or is not dried out in forty eight hours then the potential for contamination and the spread of disease exists. Items such as carpet and furniture that can be dried out but that have been contaminated can be treated with micro organism killing chemicals and then dried to prevent the spread of diseases.

Since large amounts of the contaminating materials can decrease the effectiveness of these chemicals it is important to clean all the surfaces first. A company experience in water damage restoration will properly salvage those items which can be saved and help prevent the spread of disease.