by Eric Hylden, Grand Forks Herald.
Such devastating and complete damage creates serious environmental health concerns for
humans. Flooding reduces society to primitive conditions. Electricity, plumbing, drinking water
supply, health care, and communications are often jeopardized. Collins (1997) cites the
following health problems associated with post flood recovery: exposure to toxic chemicals in
the floodwater; inhalation of mold spores that grow on flood damaged indoor sheetrock;
consumption of contaminated food and water; spread of infectious disease; and the spread of
respiratory illnesses. Illnesses tend to thrive as general health is weakened by the stresses
associated with trauma, the close living conditions in flood shelters, and the long hours spent
trying to repair damaged property.