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CNN Sunday Morning

Dangerous Residue

Aired September 28, 2003 - 08:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


SEAN CALLEBS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, when we hear about hurricanes, we hear about incredible winds, the high storm surge, rain. But we don't often hear much about the dangerous gunk hurricanes leave behind. CNN's Christy Feig has more on that.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you can see right here is the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That pretty much came up all the way up here.

CHRISTY FEIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When Hurricane Isabel hit Alexandria, Virginia last week, a nine-and-a-half foot storm surge poured into local homes and businesses, bringing with it the potential for disease.

LESLIE DIOLETTE, BELLE VIEW CONDO ASSN.: The Health Department said this unit was filled with black water. They define "black water" as sewage and pesticides from the river water, as well as from whatever sewer water backed up.

FEIG: But just because the water is gone doesn't mean it's safe. If an area stays wet for more than a day or two, bacteria and mold will thrive, especially behind wet drywall and insulation.

ALFRED MUNZER, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION: The bacteria can cause acute respiratory infections, but, more importantly, probably for most people, is the mold and mildew that is left behind, which can set off very dangerous allergic reactions.

FEIG: Health experts say proper cleanup with protective gear is essential.

BOB CUSTARD, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGER: Anything that's a absorbent material: insulation, sheet rock, upholstered furniture, any of those things, should be discarded.

FEIG: Hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water, then bleach. For Jose Certa (ph) in his Ben & Jerry's ice-cream shop, that means replacing everything that the waist-high water touched, including the drywall. Standing water outdoors poses another problem. It's the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it's the peak of the West Nile Virus season. JOE FLANDER, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST: Some people could die from it. And the ones that are susceptible to it are the elderly, in particular, people with compromised immune systems.

FEIG (on camera): Health experts say until things get dried out, if you have any coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or flu-like symptoms, go see your doctor.

Christy Feig, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired September 28, 2003 - 08:04   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SEAN CALLEBS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, when we hear about hurricanes, we hear about incredible winds, the high storm surge, rain. But we don't often hear much about the dangerous gunk hurricanes leave behind. CNN's Christy Feig has more on that.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you can see right here is the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That pretty much came up all the way up here.

CHRISTY FEIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When Hurricane Isabel hit Alexandria, Virginia last week, a nine-and-a-half foot storm surge poured into local homes and businesses, bringing with it the potential for disease.

LESLIE DIOLETTE, BELLE VIEW CONDO ASSN.: The Health Department said this unit was filled with black water. They define "black water" as sewage and pesticides from the river water, as well as from whatever sewer water backed up.

FEIG: But just because the water is gone doesn't mean it's safe. If an area stays wet for more than a day or two, bacteria and mold will thrive, especially behind wet drywall and insulation.

ALFRED MUNZER, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION: The bacteria can cause acute respiratory infections, but, more importantly, probably for most people, is the mold and mildew that is left behind, which can set off very dangerous allergic reactions.

FEIG: Health experts say proper cleanup with protective gear is essential.

BOB CUSTARD, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGER: Anything that's a absorbent material: insulation, sheet rock, upholstered furniture, any of those things, should be discarded.

FEIG: Hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water, then bleach. For Jose Certa (ph) in his Ben & Jerry's ice-cream shop, that means replacing everything that the waist-high water touched, including the drywall. Standing water outdoors poses another problem. It's the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it's the peak of the West Nile Virus season. JOE FLANDER, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST: Some people could die from it. And the ones that are susceptible to it are the elderly, in particular, people with compromised immune systems.

FEIG (on camera): Health experts say until things get dried out, if you have any coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or flu-like symptoms, go see your doctor.

Christy Feig, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com