Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
When floodwaters recede, the risks don't disappear. One of the most significant concerns may be inside the building itself: poor indoor air quality, or IAQ.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), floodwater can leave behind mold, bacteria, chemicals, sewage, and other contaminants that affect both health and the air people breathe. Mold can begin growing on wet materials such as drywall, carpet, wood, and furniture within 24 to 48 hours.
The EPA recommends four key steps after a flood: stay safe, remove damaged materials, clean thoroughly, and dry everything completely.
Safety should always come first. Individuals involved in cleanup should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including an N-95 respirator, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and boots. The EPA advises that children, pregnant women, people with asthma, and those with weakened immune systems avoid participating in flood cleanup whenever possible.
Next, affected materials should be evaluated. Non-porous items can often be cleaned and dried, while porous materials such as carpeting, insulation, and some upholstered furniture may need to be discarded if they cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
During cleanup, the EPA recommends using clean water and detergent to physically remove dirt and microorganisms. If disinfectants are used, they should be EPA-registered products applied according to label instructions. Cleaning products should never be mixed, and bleach should never be combined with other chemicals because dangerous vapors can result.
Drying is equally important. Doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers should be opened when conditions permit. Fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment can help remove moisture. Drying may take days or even weeks, and repairs typically should not begin until materials are completely dry.
Flood recovery is about more than repairing visible damage. Proper cleanup helps reduce exposure to mold, bacteria, and other contaminants that may remain long after the water is gone. In some buildings, flooding may also disturb hazardous materials such as lead-containing dust or asbestos-containing materials, creating additional exposure concerns.
For property owners concerned about potential exposure risks, environmental and industrial hygiene professionals can evaluate flooded buildings and collect samples that are then analyzed by an accredited laboratory.
To learn more about this or other environmental, health, and safety topics, visit the websites shown below:
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
When floodwaters recede, the risks don't disappear. One of the most significant concerns may be inside the building itself: poor indoor air quality, or IAQ.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), floodwater can leave behind mold, bacteria, chemicals, sewage, and other contaminants that affect both health and the air people breathe. Mold can begin growing on wet materials such as drywall, carpet, wood, and furniture within 24 to 48 hours.
The EPA recommends four key steps after a flood: stay safe, remove damaged materials, clean thoroughly, and dry everything completely.
Safety should always come first. Individuals involved in cleanup should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including an N-95 respirator, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and boots. The EPA advises that children, pregnant women, people with asthma, and those with weakened immune systems avoid participating in flood cleanup whenever possible.
Next, affected materials should be evaluated. Non-porous items can often be cleaned and dried, while porous materials such as carpeting, insulation, and some upholstered furniture may need to be discarded if they cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
During cleanup, the EPA recommends using clean water and detergent to physically remove dirt and microorganisms. If disinfectants are used, they should be EPA-registered products applied according to label instructions. Cleaning products should never be mixed, and bleach should never be combined with other chemicals because dangerous vapors can result.
Drying is equally important. Doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers should be opened when conditions permit. Fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment can help remove moisture. Drying may take days or even weeks, and repairs typically should not begin until materials are completely dry.
Flood recovery is about more than repairing visible damage. Proper cleanup helps reduce exposure to mold, bacteria, and other contaminants that may remain long after the water is gone. In some buildings, flooding may also disturb hazardous materials such as lead-containing dust or asbestos-containing materials, creating additional exposure concerns.
For property owners concerned about potential exposure risks, environmental and industrial hygiene professionals can evaluate flooded buildings and collect samples that are then analyzed by an accredited laboratory.
To learn more about this or other environmental, health, and safety topics, visit the websites shown below:
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
