How to safeguard against respiratory health issues caused by floods following government warning

Dampness, mold growth and pollutants left behind after major down pour pose health hazards.
Children are the most vulnerable to health problems triggered by mold including asthma, bronchitis, eye irritation, and cough.

Government, through the Uganda National Metrological Authority (UNMA) has warned of consecutive rainfall for the next 10 days and asked the public to prepare for floods and mudslides in different parts of the country.

According to UNMA, substantial rainfall activity is expected to affect areas in the southwestern (Kigezi and Ankole subregions), the Rwenzori subregion, the Bunyoro subregion, Central, Lake Victoria basin, Lake Kyoga basin, West Nile and Acholi subregion.

“In general, most areas in the entire country are expected to receive good rains apart from the Karamoja subregion and neighbouring districts which are expected to receive suppressed rainfall,” said the Authority yesterday, Friday November 11.

Surging water levels rushing into residential areas cause immediate harm like drowning, death, injuries, hypothermia among others.

However, long after the destruction is put behind flooding continues to impact communities in less visible ways too. Among less visible ways is a high risk of respiratory health problems including allergic reactions.

How floods bring about respiratory health issues

Rushing water may come with toxic chemicals, pesticides, biotoxins, sewage, heavy metals and water-borne pathogens into homes. In the aftermath, some of these toxic contaminants remain in dried residue left behind. With time, everyday actions like cleaning, walking, running, turn these toxins into airbone dust. They become part of the air communities breathe in putting them at risk of developing repiratory issues.

To make matters worse, houses don't have to be overwhelmed by the water to trigger respiratory issues. Even communities 100 miles away from the floods epicenter are at risk.

Mold growth

This fungal growth thrives in damp and decaying places. Fllods create the perfect conditions for the rapid growth and spread of mold. It is linked with respiratory problems such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.

What to do

Impact on respiratory health depends on precautions taken to protect the home and the flood magnitude.

Protect the house against water intusion as much as possible.
Do repair and maintenance of roof, gutters, seals, vent pipes, chimneys.
Declutter and clean drains.
Empty septic tanks.
Put up barriers, seal cracks in walls, windows to keep heavy rain and water from entering.
Install pump to drain water from lower parts of the house.
Hurry to reduce dampness, check for dampness, water intrusion and mold growth.
Limit contact with floods water
Remove porous material from house and leave them outside to dry completely.
Increase ventilation by leaving doors, windows open.
Use dehumidifiers

How to get rid of mold

Wear protective gear: a fitting N95 face mask, gloves and rubber boots.
Use soap, detergent and antibacterial cleaning products to clean and disinfect all surfaces and anything that has been in contact with water.
Throw moldy material into sealed heavy-duty plastic bags.
Dispose of moldy materials in sealed heavy-duty plastic bags.