Sewage cleanup services are crucial for maintaining public health and safety. Inadvertent exposure to sewage can lead to various negative health effects.
### Health Risks of Sewage Exposure
Exposure to sewage carries significant health risks, including:
– **Gastrointestinal illnesses:** Exposure to sewage-contaminated water or food can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
– **Skin infections:** Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause skin infections like rashes, boils, and cellulitis.
– **Respiratory problems:** Inhalation of sewage fumes can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
– **Eye infections:** Contact with sewage can cause eye infections, including conjunctivitis and keratitis.
– **Hepatitis A:** Sewage can transmit hepatitis A, a viral infection that affects the liver.
### Symptoms of Sewage Exposure
Exposure to sewage can manifest in various symptoms, depending on the route of exposure. Common symptoms include:
– **Gastrointestinal:** Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain
– **Skin:** Rashes, boils, cellulitis
– **Respiratory:** Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
– **Eyes:** Redness, itching, discharge
– **General:** Fever, chills, fatigue
Can Sewage Sludge Make You Sick?
Sewage sludge, the solid waste byproduct of sewage treatment, can pose health risks if not properly handled. Exposure to sewage sludge can cause respiratory issues, skin irritations, and gastrointestinal problems. Proper disposal and handling of sewage sludge are essential to minimize these risks.