The following important messages are from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. For more information please visit www.epa.gov .

Cleaners

• If you’re cleaning up after the flood, you’ll need to use cleaners, disinfectants, and pesticides that have the potential of causing their own problems. But you need to be careful.
• Mixing certain types of household cleaners and disinfectants such as bleach and ammonia can produce toxic fumes and cause injury or even death. Do not mix them or use them in combination.
• Read and follow all label instructions carefully.
• Provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. Don’t stay in a room longer than necessary, and allow plenty of time for the room to air out.
• If there’s no standing water in the building and it’s safe to use electricity, use fans both during and after disinfecting, cleaning and sanitizing products. Be sure that electrical appliances are properly grounded.
• Keep all household products locked, out of sight and away from children. Securely close child-resistant packaging after each use. Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.

Asbestos-Lead

• Older buildings may contain asbestos and lead.
• Pipe or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, and sprayed-on sound-proofing may contain asbestos.
• Lead is a toxic metal that causes many negative health effects, especially in young children. Disturbing materials containing lead-based paint may release lead dust into the air.
• If your home contains asbestos or lead-based paint and any of these materials have been damaged or will be disturbed during cleanup, talk to public health authorities.
• Removed materials should be handled while still wet or damp, double bagged and labeled. You should wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Avoid activities that will generate dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos or lead. Don’t use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint.
• Temporarily move your family out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area properly cleaned.

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It can kill you.
• Don’t use anything indoors that burns fuel, such as gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal grills. Opening doors and windows or using fans won’t prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide. Have your water heater and gas furnace exhausts checked to make sure they aren’t blocked.
• If you feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away.

Hazardous Waste

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other officials urge you to use caution when returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings.
• Be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach.
• Take these precautions to prevent injury or further damage:
  • Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals.
  • Don’t combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this may produce dangerous or violent reactions.
  • Don’t dump chemicals down storm sewers, drains or toilets.
  • Don’t burn household chemicals.
  • Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of.
  • Be careful when disturbing building materials to prevent injury or other health effects.
• Debris-management programs, including household hazardous waste collection, are being set up. These efforts may take days or weeks to reach all communities.

Gases

• Many fuel lines were broken during the hurricane, and explosive vapors may still be present in many buildings. Plus, gases such as methane may accumulate from decaying materials.
• Open all windows when you enter a building. If you smell gas or hear gas escaping, don't smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, or use telephones, including cell phones.
• Leave immediately with doors and windows open. Notify emergency authorities, and don't return until they tell you it’s safe.

Water

Contaminated flood water can cause serious threats to your health.

Here’s what you should do to minimize your risk:

• Remove standing water quickly. Discard wet materials that can’t be thoroughly cleaned and dried, including anything made of paper, cloth, wood and other absorbent materials.
• Dry out the building. Contaminants in flood waters can penetrate deep into porous materials and later get into the air or water. Completely drying out a building will take time, and you may have to remove ceilings, wallboard, insulation, flooring and other materials if they were soaked.
• Microorganisms will continue growing as long as things are wet and humidity is high. When fumes aren’t a problem and if electricity is available and safe, you can remove moisture by closing windows and running a dehumidifier or window air conditioner.
• Limit your contact with flood water. Don’t even breathe mists from contaminated water. When cleaning, wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator or a dust mask.