EPA Indoor Environments | Flood Cleanup Webinar

Hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division

Today, more frequent and more severe natural disasters result in massive flooding of occupied structures in the United States, costing billions of dollars. Houses often remain the most challenging to safely remediate to an acceptable condition wherein human exposures and potential adverse health effects from a variety of flood-related pollutants are minimized or eliminated. Many homeowners lack insurance or other finances necessary for professional flood remediation and restoration and, therefore, face the task of undertaking the effort themselves. Without proper guidance and knowledge of the fundamentals required to safely restore a home to its pre-flooded condition, potential risks to occupant health and valuables remain high.

Based on guidance documents from governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations, this webinar will address types of water damage and the remediation requirements for each; the use of biocides and personal protective equipment; and the timely steps needed to reduce risks from physical harm, chemical exposures, and infectious and allergic disease agents. The webinar will also address steps to determine when the remediation is complete and the restoration of the structure may begin. Following the technical presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions addressed.

Presenter, Dr. Gene Cole holds a Master of Science in public health microbiology and a Doctor of Public Health in biohazard science/occupational health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Cole has more than 30 years of experience in public, occupational, environmental and international health, including in infectious disease transmission, environmental pollution, exposure assessment, bioterrorism preparedness and indoor environmental quality (with a focus on asthma and allergen control). Dr. Cole is an expert on flood cleanup and the use of biocides. He conducts applied research on practical approaches to prevention and control of human exposures and related health risks, with a particular emphasis on low-cost solutions to important public health problems.

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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.