Health Risks Associated With Sewage

Sewage, as defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is a type of wastewater that is primarily composed of human excrement, industrial effluents, and various forms of debris like sanitary items and plastics. The primary health risks in sewage arise from its content of harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can lead to several diseases, including gastroenteritis and hepatitis, upon exposure.

It’s recommended not to attempt sewage cleanup without professional expertise and tools. If faced with a sewage-related issue, seeking the help of professionals equipped to safely manage and mitigate the risks is essential.

Exposure to sewage can occur directly or indirectly, posing significant health risks. Direct contact might happen through physical interaction with sewage-contaminated water, for example, walking through an area affected by a sewage leak. Indirect contact could involve consuming contaminated water or contact with animals that carry parasites.

Health Risks From Sewage

Even with sewage treatment efforts aimed at reducing water content and removing large debris, complete elimination of bacteria, viruses, and parasites is not feasible. This necessitates heightened precautions for those working with or around sewage to prevent illness.

Some sewage-related diseases are minor, but others can be severe or even fatal. These illnesses are categorised into three main groups: bacterial diseases, viral diseases, and those caused by parasites.

Bacterial Diseases Include:

• Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection from salmonella, presenting symptoms like diarrhoea and fever, and potentially leading to long-term joint pain
• Shigellosis: Caused by the shigella bacteria, it shares symptoms with salmonellosis but may also include urgent bowel movements. It’s especially contagious and requires good hygiene practices for prevention
• Trachoma: An eye infection leading to blindness, prevalent in impoverished areas with poor sanitation
• Melioidosis: Contracted through direct contact with contaminated water, it shows flu-like symptoms and requires antibiotic treatment

Viral Diseases Such as:

• Gastroenteritis: Characterised by stomach pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting due to ingestion of contaminated water
• Hepatitis A: Exposure to untreated sewage can lead to this condition, marked by jaundice and abdominal pain among other symptoms

Diseases Caused by Parasites:

• Giardiasis: From the Giardia lamblia parasite, causing gastrointestinal symptoms. 
• Strongyloidiasis: A skin, lung, and intestine affecting condition, rare in advanced societies
• Hookworm Infection: Causes weakness and gastrointestinal issues; more common in warmer climates
• Threadworm Infection: Common in the UK, these parasites cause discomfort but are easily treated
• Tapeworm Infection: Often asymptomatic but can be serious, contracted through contaminated food or water

Preventing Sewage Related Health Problems

Preventing sewage-related health issues involves limiting exposure and adhering to stringent health and safety practices. For workers in environments with potential sewage exposure, proper training, supervision. As well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are crucial. PPE for sewage workers typically includes waterproof suits, goggles, face masks, gloves, and safety boots.

Hiring the Ideal Response for a sewage cleanup service is paramount for ensuring the safety and well-being of both property occupants and the environment. Sewage spills pose serious health risks due to the presence of pathogens, bacteria, and contaminants that can cause illnesses and infections if not handled properly.

An experienced and qualified cleanup service understands the urgency of the situation and employs specialised techniques and equipment to swiftly and effectively mitigate the damage. Additionally, they adhere to stringent safety protocols and regulatory standards to prevent further contamination and ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste.

By entrusting the cleanup to professionals with expertise in sewage remediation, property owners can rest assured that the job will be handled efficiently, minimising health hazards and property damage while restoring the affected area to a safe and habitable condition.