Health Tips
Top Health Considerations for Entering a Flooded Home
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Sep 6, 2017 - 10:51:43 AM
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - New York, NY –– We have all seen and felt the destruction caused by hurricane Harvey, a category 4 storm that made landfall on August 25th. Harvey is the wettest tropical cyclone on record in the United States and it has created devastating flooding in and around southeastern Texas. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses have been flooded and upwards of 50,000 people have been displaced. To date, 47 people have lost their lives as a result of this hurricane which is estimated to become the worst natural disaster in US history. Now that Harvey has moved away from the area, thousands are looking to return to their homes where serious environmental health problems may arise. Each year more than 150 people die from the result of flooding. Importantly, many of the deaths occur during the re-entry process from electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other accidents occurring during remediation. The American Thoracic Society would like to share and communicate the following key information on this topic to patients and providers who are affected by the flooding.
Top Health Considerations for Entering a Flooded Home
For more information please visit:
American Lung Association document "Keeping Your Lungs Safe During Flood Cleanup
American Red Cross document "Repairing Your Flooded Home"
United States Environmental Protection Agency "Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems"
Should you have further questions do not hesitate to contact the ATS for additional information.
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