Sewage Contamination and Indoor Exposure Concerns for Building Occupants

When water damage occurs in a home or building it can result in extensive damage to building materials and belongings. If that water contains sewage, it can also create immediate potential health concerns for anyone who works or lives in the building.

In addition to the unpleasant nature of sewage contamination, it can expose people to a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. Standing water and wet materials will allow many of these organisms to multiply and the introduced moisture can result in the rapid growth of mold on many materials throughout the property. In some circumstances, there could even be hazardous chemicals mixed in with the sewage.

There are a number of scenarios that can result in sewage contamination indoors. Some of the most common causes include a backed up or broken sewer line, malfunctioning septic system or as a result of a flooding event that brings sewage from the outdoors into the home or building.

“Contact with pathogens associated with sewage contamination could result from direct contact, ingestion or inhalation,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “While all building occupants could be at risk of exposure, health concerns for anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system are especially great. At EMSL, we offer sampling supplies and testing services to identify microbial pathogens, fecal indicator organisms and chemical contaminants that may be present due to sewage in an indoor environment. This information can be vital for filing an insurance claim, properly remediating the property and to ensure the home or building has been safely repaired and is ready for people to return.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about sewage contamination, property damage and exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/XBRUJEwnVMo.

To learn more about sewage contamination testing or other environmental, occupational or indoor air quality services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail