Sewage cleanup can be a risky task, as it involves handling contaminated materials that can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
Exposure to sewage can cause a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory problems.
In some cases, exposure to sewage can even be fatal.
Health Risks of Sewage Cleanup
- Gastrointestinal illness:
The most common health risk associated with sewage cleanup is gastrointestinal illness.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. - Skin infections:
Exposure to sewage can also cause skin infections, such as rashes, boils, and abscesses.
Symptoms of a skin infection can include redness, swelling, pain, and itching. - Respiratory problems:
Inhaling sewage fumes can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Can You Get Sick from Cleaning Up Raw Sewage?
Yes, it is possible to get sick from cleaning up raw sewage.
Raw sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can cause a variety of health problems, including the following:
- Gastrointestinal illness:
Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Skin infections:
Symptoms of a skin infection can include redness, swelling, pain, and itching.
- Respiratory problems:
Symptoms of respiratory problems can include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
How to Protect Yourself When Cleaning Up Sewage
If you are tasked with cleaning up sewage, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses.
The following tips can help you stay safe:
- Wear protective clothing:
When cleaning up sewage, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as gloves, a mask, and goggles.
- Wash your hands thoroughly:
After cleaning up sewage, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth:
When cleaning up sewage, it is important to avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you experience any symptoms, see a doctor:
If you experience any symptoms after cleaning up sewage, it is important to see a doctor immediately.