Extreme weather events such as tropical storms and heavy rainfall present a variety of challenges for communities across the country. Flooding is one of the most common types of natural disasters impacting people in the United States. A flooded home can result in various health hazards, in addition to financial and social challenges for homeowners and their families. In many cases it takes weeks for people to re-enter their homes after a flood event, and failure to remove contaminated materials before re-entering a flooded home can increase risk of long-term health impacts. Standing water and wet materials can contain microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. Unfortunately, not all homeowners are aware of the health hazards or what to do when experiencing a flood. To address this issue, EPA scientists developed a website to inform the public about flooding-related health hazards.
The EPA Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance website provides tips and informational videos for people impacted by flooding to prepare for re-entering their home and beginning cleanup. The site also explains the different health risks associated with flooding such as asbestos, mold, and lead paint.
Visit EPA’s Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance website.