During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

• Publications
• Fact Sheets
• Additional Information about Floods

Publications

For basic information on how to clean up after a flood and how to prevent indoor air problems:
For information on ordering the following publications, visit EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP).

Flood Cleanup and the Air In Your Home: Booklet

Flood Cleanup and the Air In Your Home: Poster

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Fact Sheets

• Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup - Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems

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Additional Information about Floods

• EPA's about Hurricanes and Flooding
• EPA's Office of Children’s Health - in the Aftermath of Floods
• Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Floods: Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Hurricane and Other Tropical Storms

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