Construction Mishap Floods a Dozen Homes with Raw Sewage

Recently, the Bellevue Leader published a story about damaged homes in Nebraska. The damage occurred earlier this year when a sewer line was accidently broken by a city contractor.  According to the report, a dozen homes were then flooded with raw sewage.

The presence of raw sewage in a home can cause extensive damage and costly repairs. Its presence is not only unpleasant, but the odors and contaminants that are likely throughout the damaged area can create an immediate health concern for anyone in the home.

Not only can hazardous chemicals be present, but a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, parasites, protozoa and fungi are likely on surfaces and have been absorbed into porous building materials and furnishings. The moisture and contamination, unless quickly and comprehensively remediated, will allow many of these organisms to multiply. Fungi will begin colonizing wet materials and areas impacted by the increased humidity levels.

“Sewage contamination, whether in a home, school or place of business, is a real concern for not only building occupants, but also for people tasked with cleaning up the mess,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In most of these circumstances, it may be days or more before remediation efforts can begin due to the need to file an insurance claim among other reasons. This delay increases the potential exposure risks and may allow for more parts of the property to be impacted. It’s important that people know the extent of the damage and contamination and EMSL provides the answer with comprehensive testing services and all of the sampling supplies that are necessary. Testing is also instrumental to ensure that remediation efforts were thorough and did not leave behind chemical or microbial hazards.”   

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