Building Science Experts Warn of Indoor Hazards following Historic Colorado Floods

In September, what some experts have called a thousand year flood ravaged large parts of Colorado.  In addition to the floods destroying roads and bridges, several thousand homes and numerous commercial buildings are likely beyond repair.  Thousands more suffered flooding and can be rebuilt, but area residents are being cautioned over the potential for exposure to a variety of environmental hazards.
 
Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark, one of the nation’s premier providers of environmental, industrial hygiene, and health and safety services, provided area residents with some advice.  He shared, “These floods have created environmental hazards that people need to be aware of as they begin rebuilding their homes, schools and businesses.  Water damaged structures often had more than just water enter them.  Flood waters can contain a host of microbial and chemical contaminants.  Even rain water, known as Category 1 water damage, that enters a building can allow mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours.  Flood waters could be either Gray Water or Black Water, known as Category 2 and 3, depending on what they have been in contact with.  These waters may host a variety of viruses, parasites, bacteria, fungi, pesticides, fuels and other contaminants.”
 
Flood victims are also reminded of concerns posed by asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints.  Some of these older properties were built using these materials and cleanup activities and demolition can aerosolize them creating a health hazard to anyone nearby.  Only proper cleanup and restoration, followed up by a thorough post restoration verification assessment can insure an impacted property is habitable.
 
Clark Seif Clark, who was instrumental in helping many Hurricane Sandy victims safely rebuild, has environmental teams available and ready to help the residents and businesses of Colorado.  To learn more about health and safety issues during the rebuilding efforts or about Clark Seif Clark, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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