When a home is contaminated, it can be challenging to know how to clean it and make it habitable again. Any construction project can result in a contaminated house if the materials are not managed properly and precautions are not taken. A contaminated house requires special care because any type of contamination creates health risks for you, your family, and anyone else who will occupy the space. Keep reading to learn more about How to Clean Up Contaminated House.
What is a Contaminated House?
A contaminated house is just as it sounds. It is a home that has been exposed to harmful contaminants. The contaminant can be almost anything and can be in any stage of decay. Contamination can be caused by an accident or an intentional act. You may have a contaminated house if it has:
– Been flooded or has rotted or mouldy drywall and insulation
– Been exposed to lead, asbestos, mould or other toxins
– Has a foundation that has been damaged by water
– Contains biological contaminants, such as bodily fluids, chemical spills, and pathogens
– Is contaminated by construction materials, such as contaminated soil, gravel, or sand used for concrete.
The Dangers of Living in a Contaminated Home
When a house is contaminated, it is likely to have lost its integrity, which means it can’t protect you from environmental hazards. You are at risk for a number of health issues when you live in a contaminated home.
– Airborne Contaminants – Some contaminants, like mould, bacteria, and asbestos, are airborne. They can be inhaled when you breathe. This can cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, brain fog, and more serious conditions, such as asthma and lung disease.
– Skin Contamination – When your skin is exposed to contaminants, they can transfer to your skin. This can cause rashes and irritation that can be painful and lead to long-term health issues.
– Water Damage – Some contaminants, such as bacteria and lead, can be absorbed into the water. When you use that water, you can ingest or absorb them into your body. Contaminated water can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How to Detect a Contaminated House
If you’re not sure if your house is contaminated, you can do a few simple tests to find out. You can also hire a professional to inspect your house and collect samples for testing.
– Visual Inspection – A visual inspection is an easiest and most inexpensive way to determine if your house is contaminated. Look for signs that there has been water damage, like stains on the walls and ceilings, watermarks, and damaged electrical wiring.
– Sampling – You can collect samples from the air, water, and surfaces in the house. Contaminants leave behind residues that are easy to find. These samples can then be tested to determine what type of contaminants are present and at what levels.
– Biological Monitoring – You can use biological monitoring to find out if you have been exposed to biological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria. This involves collecting swabs of your nose, throat, and other places on your body.
Steps to Take When Cleaning Up a Contaminated House
If your house has been contaminated, you will need to take extra steps to make it safe again. Here are some important tips to keep in mind while cleaning up a contaminated house.
– Seal off the Area – If the contamination is widespread, you may need to seal off the area from the rest of the house to prevent it from spreading. Cover the floor and seal the ductwork.
– Decontamination – Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants. Spray the area down with water. Use a stiff brush and soap to scrub down the walls and other surfaces.
– Disinfection – Some contaminants, such as mould and bacteria, can be killed with bleach. Make a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water and use it to clean and disinfect the area.
– Ventilation – Contaminants can be released when you clean them, so you will need to take steps to control the amount of dust and other materials released into the air.
Conclusion
A contaminated house can be challenging and dangerous to clean. It is important to seal off the area and use the right cleaning products to kill or remove the contaminants as a part of How to Clean Up Contaminated House. Once you have cleaned and decontaminated the area, you can start repairing the house and make it safe again.
