Water, mold growing dangers

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08/25/04

Health concerns increase

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Water, mold growing dangers

Residents are being warned to be careful with water and mold, as they

pose high risks for long term health problems.

Large portions of the area impacted by Hurricane Charley are being

warned to not drink the water, as doing so could cause severe health

problems.

The elderly, sick and young are also being advised to avoid taking

too many showers, as contact with contaminated water could cause

illness, state and local health officials said.

Residents should boil or disinfect their water even before cleaning

dishes.

The same is true for people who have well water.

The boil water notice will be in effect indefinitely and could last

for another week or longer as officials attempt to flush the system.

Residents who are drinking the water have been going to area

hospitals with norovirus, which causes gastroenteritis -- stomach

upset and diarrhea. It can last up to 48 hours.

Those who assume the water is safe and are washing their hands and

rinsing them with contaminated water also run the risk of illness.

Mold is another danger for residents as people clean and repair their

storm-damaged homes and buildings. Health officials urge the public

to take precautionary measures.

Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates

mold growth.

Molds can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to

damage materials long after the storm. Failure to control moisture

and mold can present short- and long-term health risks.

Water Safety Tips

* To boil water, bring water to a rolling boil for at least three

minutes.

* For those who do not have electricity, treat water by adding eight

drops (1/8 of a teaspoon; about the size of a dime) of unscented

household bleach to one gallon of water. Shake the mixture and let it

sit for 30 minutes before use. Do not use pool bleach.

* The Arcadia Public Water System has been cleared. The water is safe

to drink for those people on Arcadia Public Water. The same is true

for Lake Suzy.

* Flooding that occurs after a hurricane can contain fecal matter

from sewage systems, agricultural and industrial ways, and septic

tanks.

* Basic hygiene is very important during this emergency period.

Always wash your hands with soap and boiled or disinfected water

(rubbing your hands together for 20 seconds or more) before eating,

after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities, and

after handling articles contaminated by floodwater.

* If you have open cuts or sores exposed to floodwater, keep them as

clean as possible by washing them with soap and boiled or disinfected

water. Apply antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. If

a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a

physician.

* Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to

water contaminated with fecal matter. Do not allow children to play

with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been

disinfected. Use a half cup of bleach in one gallon of water, dip the

toys in the water-bleach solution, and allow to air dry.

* Do not participate in water sports in any of the waterways in the

area. Do not eat fish caught in the waterways. Floodwaters that

subside are draining into these waterways and are contaminated.

* When power is restored, do not use ice makers or water in

refrigerators. The filter system cannot filter out contaminants. When

water is deemed safe, it is recommended to flush the water lines for

up to 15 minutes.

* When water systems and waterways test safe for human consumption,

the public will be notified.