Experts warn flooded homes could pose health risks

UK property experts have warned that the current spate of heavy rain could leave householders at risk from more than just floodwater.

The Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers – ISSE – is urging people whose properties are water damaged to seek specialist and competent advice when drying out their homes – or toxic mould could take hold, damaging their homes and their health. 

Jeff Charlton, a founder fellow of the British Damage Management Association and a fellow of the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, is also a member of the British Standard Institute’s professional working group tasked with writing new guidelines for the industry in the area of decontaminating buildings which have been exposed to water damage.

He said: “Because there are no industry guidelines in the UK for tackling flood damage, many contractors don’t understand that the methods they use to dry out a property can lead to a whole host of problems – some with long-lasting and devastating health consequences."