What Floods Can Really Do To Our Health



Flood polluted by gases and garbage.



There can be many health effects on people during and after a flood occurs. Flood water can get contaminated by all the garbage, sewage and chemicals that flow into it. Such as the dirty, pollueted flood in the picture above. Any open wounds that come in contact with flood water can become infected. Be sure not to drink or use any contaminated flood water. You are able to pick up diseases. Drowning and injuries can also occur. Those people who take the risk of driving through floods I personally think are crazy. I wonder why they don’t do what is best for their safety. In addition pneumonia and hyperthermia may be an issue for those who get trapped in flood water. Your mental health can also be affected.  Some people experience anger, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness. But they usually go away with time. Mould can be a health risk after floods as well. Since there is excess moister and water you have to be careful when returning to your home that mould has not developed in it. Mould can cause stuffy noses, skin and eye irritation and difficulty breathing. As you can see there are many health hazards from floods. This makes me feel even worse for the people living in flooded areas. They do not only have to go through their house and property being damaged or demolished. But also the health issues that come with the flood too. Scary. But I am just happy I do not have to worry about that stuff happening in Dryden!     ~Chelsea