This document addresses  strategies for safely returning flooded buildings to habitable conditions after a hurricane or other weather event. It is is a technical summary of existing research and guidance on health hazards from floods, flood damage, and cleanup activities. EPA’s Indoor Environments Division commissioned the report; however, it does not necessarily represent EPA policy.

The report considers:

• the types of illnesses associated with flooding
• the effectiveness, selection, use and hazards of biocides for cleaning and decontaminating surfaces affected by the presence of microorganisms and their biofilms
• available guidance documents that provide recommendations for cleaning up after floods, hurricanes and related events

• Report on Flood-Related Cleanup (PDF)(103 pp, 5 MB, August 2018)