Sewage poses a very significant threat to human health.  However, the severity of the  health threat depends on the content of the sewage and the degree and extent of penetration into the building environment.  

The degree of penetration is dependent on the porosity of contaminated materials, the quantity of sewage, and the amount of time the sewage remains in contact with materials.  Consider three examples of sewage spilling into an indoor environment; the restoration response may be different in each situation.

When a building is contaminated with sewage backing up from the septic lines, or flooding of a building occurs that involves sewage or a heavy load or organic matter, as in the case of river flooding, a serious threat to human health exists.  

With out appropriate action, extensive damage to materials will occur immediately or in time.  Several days may elapse before the cause of the backup is determined, the problem is corrected, and flooding subsides.

 This allows extensive permeation and contamination of absorbent (hygroscopic) materials such as wood, gypsum, paper, and concrete to occur.  

This penetration with water and organic matter leads to the growth of potentially disease-causing (or opportunistic) microorganisms.  These Organisms may pose a serious health risk to occupants of the building.  

Organic matter and water-saturated materials can be used as substrate for growth of microorganisms (such as gram-negative bacteria and toxigenic fungi) that can produce substances toxic to humans and damaging to materials.  A large amount of water inside a building will cause high humidity, which can also contribute to microbial growth on structural materials and contents.

At VOGE, Inc. Construction and Remodeling we understand each case is unique. We will a treat it in just that manner unique. The EPA & IICRC both have a very strict code when dealing with waste water or sewage cleanup.