Water damage and health risks
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Flood water contains bacteria, chemicals and parasites. Protection during contact is essential.
What to do
• Always wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection when cleaning
• Wash any skin that has been in contact with flood water thoroughly and immediately
• Throw away all food, drink and cosmetics that have been contaminated
• Disinfect all surfaces with a 1:10 bleach solution
• Ventilate the building well to prevent mould growth
Do not do
• Do not swim or wade in flood water
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to flood water
Warning signs
• Wounds in contact with flood water — clean thoroughly and check tetanus cover
• Breathing problems from mould growth in the home
Get help if
• Wounds have been in contact with contaminated water
• Serious mould is developing in the home
Why this matters
Flood water contains faecal matter, heavy metals and chemicals from industrial waste. Direct skin contact is dangerous.
Source: RIVM Gezondheidseffecten Wateroverlast · reviewed 2025-01-01