Hurricane Victims and Restoration Contractors Warned of Potential Hazards While Drying Out Properties

Many homes, businesses, and schools across the Northeast were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy.  Some estimates have put the cost of the property damage at approximately $20 billion. 
 
Now, weeks after the storm, communities in the affected areas are rebuilding.  One of the first tasks typically addressed is drying out a water damaged property.  Water damage in a structure can result in damaged belongings, structural damage, and provide for an unhealthy environment for building occupants and even restoration workers who have not been properly trained to address potential indoor environmental hazards.
 
Depending on the water source, and length of time any moisture has been allowed to remain, it may contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, and even protozoa.    All of these contaminants can be a health risk to the thousands of restoration contractors currently providing services in the affected areas who have not been trained about these hazards and how to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
 
Future Environment Designs, a leading indoor air quality firm based in New York, provides consulting, testing, and training across the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy.  “When water enters a building, no matter the source, it’s important to have it safely removed as quickly as possible,” reported Angelo Garcia, III, Principal-Industrial Hygienist at Future Environment Designs.  “If not conducted properly, the drying process can result in airborne contaminants being spread throughout a property, even into areas not previously damaged.  During the drying process, even asbestos fibers or lead based-paints in older structures may become aerosolized.”
 
The experts at Future Environment Designs help people safely dry water damaged commercial buildings and ensure that contaminants are not spread.  FED’s trainers also provide contractors and restoration professionals with the training they need to offer their services so that both workers and the building occupants are not exposed to harmful materials.
 
Future Environment Designs has sponsored an online video about dry out hazards following a flood or water incursion that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/64u9RNPKbtI
 
To learn more about the various indoor air quality dangers involved with Hurricane Sandy or other water damaging event recovery, please visit http://futureenv.blogspot.com, email angelo3@futureenv.com or call (800) 969-3888.
 
About Future Environment Designs, Inc (FED)
FED is a leading provider of indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, inspection consulting, and training services for clients across the Northeast.  Based on Long Island, New York, the company provides their consulting and training services to clients ranging from property owners and local companies to major institutions and Fortune 500 Corporations.

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