Water Damage Exposure Risks in the Built Environment

When water damage takes place indoors, it can result in the destruction of building materials, equipment, furniture, and belongings. In some cases, it could even cause structural damage.

Water can also create an indoor environment that could be hazardous to building occupants. This is due to the fact that depending on the water source, it could contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, and more. Even water damage due to clean water, known as Category 1 Water, can result in mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours.

Category 2 Water, known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidently consumed. Examples include sump pump failures and water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, which is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.

Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes, and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, and standing water.

No matter the category of the water, it’s important to have it safely removed as quickly as possible. It is also essential to recognize that during the drying process, other contaminants or materials already in the building may cause health concerns. For example, asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paints can easily become aerosolized during the drying and cleanup process if not handled properly. The drying process could also result in airborne contaminants being spread throughout a property, even into areas not damaged by the water.

Facility managers, property owners, and tenants concerned about potential exposures to indoor environmental quality issues due to water damage or other causes can turn to the building science experts at CSC. Their professionals offer comprehensive testing, monitoring, and consulting services to identify, mitigate, and eliminate these types of hazards. CSC also recently sponsored an educational video about water damage and indoor exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/UcLkVBhsenw

To learn more about this or other building science and industrial hygiene services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, 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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