Contaminated water, Emilia-Romagna: There are no health hazards, but follow the health indications (here’s what they are)

The region Emilia Romagna scales the contaminated water alarm. In the areas affected by the flood of Ravenna where the water is still there, due to an exceptional event with 350 million cubic meters of water falling in 800 sq km. of territory 23 rivers and streams flooded, another 13 that have seen the alarm level exceeded, has not flowed out there is no health alarm according to a press release. For citizens and for those who are working in the area, the Ausl of Romagna has prepared a vademecum with indications and rules of health behaviour.

The Health Authority has issued general recommendations throughout the province. The fear for the population, however, is strong. Floodwaters can be contaminated by wastewater from sewage systems or by chemicals and agricultural or industrial wastes with possible health impacts. Friday May 26 at Conseliceunderwater for more than a week, tetanus vaccinations without an appointment for residents of the Municipality.

The first indication is to protect yourself during clearing and cleaning operations: you must not expose yourself to risky situations and do not carry out actions or maneuvers that could compromise your safety or that of other volunteers.

Potential dangers

The possible dangers are many due to contaminated water. First of all tetanus. You must possess tetanus vaccination valid, with the last booster dose taken within the last 10 years. Gastrointestinal infections follow. When floods impact the sewage system and wastewater, there is an increased risk of contracting infections affecting the gastrointestinal system which manifests itself in vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with muddy hands and whenever possible wash with soap and water.

Each municipality updates the indications on whether or not running water can be used. Neither electricity nor gas nor electrical appliances should be turned on if the system and sockets have been wet. They can only be turned on again after being checked by qualified personnel. If you use combustion generators, you must do so in outdoor areas because they can produce carbon monoxide or other dangerous and odorless substances.

Water and humidity can give rise to mold and spores that are dangerous to health. It is necessary to try to ventilate the areas of the house affected by the flood as much as possible, to favor the drying of walls and floors It is also important to maintain correct ventilation during cleaning activities and remember to protect, when possible by isolating them, any areas uncontaminated by the spread of dust, mold and spores. In the event of close contact with surfaces covered in mould, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or better with a mask, preferably FFP2.

Clothing recommended

Anyone involved in the removal and disposal of the material and mud must have gloves in waterproof material, boots or in any case suitable footwear in waterproof material, clothing washable at 60°C, alternatively disposable overalls, goggles or visor if possible. Everything must be in materials that are easily washable and disinfectable.

Rules of conduct

If possible, avoid contact with flood waters to avoid contamination with polluted water or soil. When this is unavoidable, follow these tips.

1. For crossing shallow water, always wear boots or sturdy footwear. Avoid slippers and flip flops.

2. For contact with mud and flood water, wear i gloves and take care to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water afterward. Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes with unclean hands. Always wash your hands after all contact with water and soil, including wet animals.

3. If there are injuries of the skin (small wounds, grazes or burns), protect any lesion, graze, cut wound with waterproof dressings to avoid skin infections.

4. Strictly avoid children playing with mud or water. If this has happened, immediately change clothes and give the children a bath with soap and running water.

5. For the management of waste, wear gloves if possible and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water when finished. Pay attention to the type of waste/material being handled, especially if they are chemical products or products containing toxic/hazardous substances, unknown materials and substances. For the disposal of bulky waste, follow the instructions provided by the local company. Do not block the streets in front of the houses with rubbish that could hinder the transit of emergency vehicles and the removal of debris.

6. How to clean and disinfect: all hard surfaces such as walls and floors with warm water and detergents. In the case of rough surfaces, scrub with a stiff brush, remembering to protect the respiratory tract from dust. If things have been wet for more than two days, take everything outside to dry. Remove contaminated or moldy materials and debris that has been contaminated with sewage, water or mud. Remove anything made of cellulose, wood or natural fibers that can absorb water and sewage, as they can become grounds for the growth of molds dangerous to health, even if not visible. Clothes contaminated with mud and sewage should be washed in hot water.

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Situations such as detection of asbestos or asbestos, animal carcasses or other hygienic-sanitary problems must be reported to the Department of Public Health.

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