Exposure to sewage can pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Understanding these risks and their associated symptoms is crucial for property owners, cleanup professionals, and anyone potentially affected. ### Health Risks * **Infections:** Sewage contains pathogens that can cause a range of infections, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections. * **Chemical Poisoning:** Hydrogen sulfide and methane gases present in sewage can lead to chemical poisoning, causing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. * **Allergies and Asthma:** Mold and other microorganisms present in sewage can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. ### Symptoms **Exposure to sewage can manifest in various symptoms, including:** * **Gastrointestinal:** Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain * **Respiratory:** Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose * **Skin:** Rashes, redness, itching * **Neurological:** Headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion * **Others:** Fever, chills, muscle aches