Common Examples of Microbial Contamination

After experiencing a flood or sewage backup, your first thought is to clean up the mess. But have you ever thought about what this mess leaves behind? Microbial contamination is common after a severe flood or septic backup. If left untreated, it causes viruses and other health complications. 

Here are the most common examples of microbial contamination:

What is Microbial Contamination? 

Before diving in, what exactly is microbial contamination? As mentioned, microbial contamination is common after Category 3 water damage. This water category includes sewage backups and floods. The most dangerous type of water damage is Category 3; it contains toxins, human and animal waste, and other chemicals. 

As such, microbial contamination includes everything from mold and fungi to protozoa. Microbial contamination refers to any microorganism that causes a health hazard. 

Types of Microbial Contamination

Since this umbrella term covers a wide array of microorganisms, it’s impossible to list all of them here. However, here are the most common types of microbial contamination. 

Mold

Mold is a type of bacteria that forms after exposure to water damage. Unfortunately, mold grows in as little as 24 hours after being exposed to water. You can expect it after a severe flood or appliance overflow. 

When left untreated, mold causes severe allergic reactions, including: 

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy/watery eyes
• Skin rashes
• Headaches
• Nausea/vomiting

It also causes insomnia, anxiety, depression, and worsening symptoms for those who have asthma and other respiratory ailments. 

Fungi

When you hear the term fungi, you probably think of mushrooms. However, it’s much more than that. Fungi is a microorganism that eats other organic materials such as mold. 

This organism is hazardous because it can grow pretty much anywhere, including indoor surfaces. Specifically, fungi grow beneath carpets, wet walls, and other damp areas. 

Like mold, fungi cause many serious ailments when left untreated after a flood or sewage backup. These include conditions such as ringworm, infections, and fungal poisoning. 

Protozoa

Protozoa is a single-celled organism that thrives in marine environments, including freshwater. As to be expected, this is one microbial contamination you’re likely to encounter after a Portland flood. 

The dangerous thing about protozoa is that they can cause several severe illnesses like malaria. Unfortunately, some of these protozoa have become resistant to drugs, making them even more dangerous. 

But What about the Buildings Themselves?

We talked a lot about the harmful side effects these types of microbial contaminants can have on the human body. But what about the house or building? Just like the body, these microbial contaminants cause many issues with properties, too. 

Mold eats away at drywall, floorboards, and other wooden structures inside your home or business. Over time, this leads to collapse and a lot of costly repairs. 

Fungi isn’t that different. When wood pieces are overtaken by fungus, it causes them to bend and decay, putting the structural integrity of your home at risk. Even worse, many researchers have learned that fungi that develop after a flood have an increased risk of causing more damage to your home than termites. 

While microorganisms like protozoa aren’t going to destroy your home structurally, they can put those in your home at serious risk of harm. While we already know the damage it can cause humans, it can also be deadly for your pets. Unfortunately, this causes excessive weight loss, gastroenterology issues, and death. 

How a Microbial Contamination Company Can Help

After suffering a severe flood or sewage backup, or any other type of water damage that contains these microorganisms, you need to call a professional for help. 

Upon entering your home, a trained microbial contamination technician will use different methods to stop liquid transfer throughout your home or property so the issue doesn’t worsen. Furthermore, you can trust that your technician will be properly suited up to prevent disease transmission. 

You can’t delay dealing with these types of issues. The longer you wait, the worse they become. This timeliness is why PNW Restoration offers 24/7 emergency response after a flood or sewage backup. Call us today at 971-247-3470.

Suffered Microbial Contamination? The Team at PNW Restoration Can Help!

Dealing with these types of bacteria is incredibly dangerous for your health and well-being. Furthermore, it takes the skilled hand of a microbial contamination technician to treat appropriately. If you have microbial contamination inside your Portland home, the team at PNW Restoration is here to help. 

If your home needs help after experiencing a flood or sewage backup, call PNW Restoration. Give us a ring at 971-247-3470. We will get your home back to normal.