KENORA—With so many across the region experiencing flooding issues, the Northwestern Health Unit, wants residents and the public to be aware of potential health risks, this may cause.
Health risks caused by floods can range from drinking water contamination, to mould, to structural and electrical concerns.
The Northwestern Health Unit, manager of environmental health, Thomas Nabb, shared key information that highlighted some of the more common health risks, that those who have experienced flooding issues should know.
Flood waters can contain pollutants, chemicals or raw sewage. A serious concern is that combined sewer systems can back up into household plumbing and consequently increase the risk of contaminating food and water. Should that happen, it is important to contact your local health unit in order get further guidance and help.
In the case where flood waters impact houses and building for a long period of time, wet or damp conditions can result and ultimately cause mould growth. According to the Northwestern Health Unit, “People sensitive to mould may experience allergic reactions such as asthma, and prolonged exposure to mould can cause eye, throat and skin irritation.”
When flood waters make drinking water unhealthy, often the community in collaboration with their local health unit will issue a boil water advisory, something that a few townships in the region have already had to declare. The Northwestern Health Unit recommends that, "It is important to make sure that when this happens, that a different source of water for drinking, preparing food, and brushing teeth, is used, or bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using,”
As a final note of caution, they suggest that when structural and electrical safety concerns exist due to flood conditions, that you visit Canada’s After a Flood webpage for more information about safely re-entering your home and cleaning up after a flood.
The effects of flooding are still being felt by many townships across the region, including Fort Frances, and Kenora. Let’s hope that with the help of local, and provincial government, the process of returning back to normal for these townships will be a safe, quick and smooth one.
