Are you facing a sewage backup or overflow in your home or business? It's crucial to seek professional sewage cleanup services promptly to mitigate health risks and restore a safe environment. Raw sewage contains hazardous bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can pose serious health threats. ### Health Risks of Exposure to Raw Sewage * **Gastrointestinal illnesses:** Ingesting contaminated water or food can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. * **Skin infections:** Contact with raw sewage can cause skin irritation, rashes, and infections. * **Respiratory problems:** Inhaling sewage vapors can irritate the lungs and cause coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. * **Eye infections:** Eye contact with contaminated water can lead to conjunctivitis and other eye infections. * **Serious infections:** In severe cases, exposure to sewage can result in life-threatening infections such as hepatitis A and E. coli. ### Can You Get Sick from Cleaning Up Raw Sewage? Yes, it is possible to become ill from cleaning up raw sewage. The risk is particularly high if: * You have open wounds or cuts on your skin. * You inhale sewage vapors or mist. * You are not wearing proper protective gear. ### Symptoms of Sewage Exposure Symptoms of sewage exposure can vary depending on the severity of exposure and the individual's health. Common symptoms include: * Nausea and vomiting * Diarrhea * Abdominal pain * Fever and chills * Skin irritation * Coughing * Shortness of breath * Eye pain and redness ### Professional Sewage Cleanup Services To ensure the safety of your family or employees, it is essential to hire a reputable sewage cleanup company. These professionals: * Use specialized equipment to remove sewage and contaminated materials. * Properly dispose of sewage to prevent contamination of the environment. * Disinfect and sanitize the affected area to eliminate harmful bacteria. * Provide recommendations for preventing future sewage backups or overflows. ### Conclusion If you encounter a sewage backup or overflow, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Call a professional sewage cleanup service to minimize health risks and restore your property to a safe and habitable condition.