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Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Informational Handouts
EPA is providing informational flyers on potential environmental and health issues in affected communities to residents returning home as part of EPA's continuing outreach to help the Gulf Coast region recover.
The flyers highlight possible hazardous situations residents may encounter during cleanup activities:
- Returning to Homes and Businesses - All Hurricane Affected Residents
- Returning to Homes and Businesses - Louisiana Residents
- Mold - All Hurricane Affected Residents
- Wells - All Hurricane Affected Residents
- Drinking Water - Louisiana Residents
- Drinking Water - Mississippi Residents
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Information - Mississippi Residents
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - Mississippi Residents
These files are for use by the media and general public.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, available as a free download, to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more about PDF, and for a link to the free Acrobat Reader.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - Mississippi Residents (PDF, 2 pp, 271 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
Items Accepted:
Aerosols, All Purpose Cleaners, Ammonia, Anti-Freeze, Automobile Cleaners, Batteries, Brake Fluid, Charcoal Lighter Fluid, Chlorine Bleach, Detergents...
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Information - Mississippi Residents (PDF) (1 pp, 59 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
Residents are advised to segregate and hold their household hazardous waste for a local HHW collection day in their neighborhood.
Returning to Homes and Businesses - All Hurricane Affected Residents (PDF, 3 pp, 54 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina can pose significant health and environmental challenges. People may be exposed to potentially life-threatening hazards such as leaking natural gas lines. Residents are warned that using un-vented fuel burning equipment indoors could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. During a flood cleanup, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity may present serious long-term health risks from microorganisms, such as bacteria and mold.
Returning to Homes and Businesses - Louisiana Residents (PDF, 5 pp, 89 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina can pose significant health and environmental challenges. People may be exposed to potentially life-threatening hazards such as leaking natural gas lines. Residents are warned that using un-vented fuel burning equipment indoors could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. During a flood cleanup, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity may present serious long-term health risks from microorganisms, such as bacteria and mold.
Mold (PDF, 1 pp, 32 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria which can trigger allergic reactions and induce respiratory infections. Failure to remove contaminated materials and reduce moisture can present serious long-term health risks. Exposure to high levels of mold may also trigger an asthma attack in individuals who have asthma.
Wells (PDF, 3 pp, 382 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated,contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice on disinfecting your well. The suggestions below are intended to supplement flood precautions issued by State and local health authorities.
Drinking Water - Louisiana Residents (PDF, 1 pp, 35 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, around 150 drinking water facilities in Louisiana are either operating on a boil water notice or are not operating at all. Professionals from local water systems, the state and EPA are working to assess water systems to determine what needs to be done to make the water safe for consumers.
Drinking Water - Mississippi Residents (PDF, 1 pp, 36 K, About PDF)
Handout excerpt:
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, 88 drinking water facilities in Mississippi are either operating on a boil water notice or are not operating at all. Professionals from local water systems, technical assistance organizations like Community Resource Group, the state, the U.S. Public Health Service, and EPA are working to assess water systems to determine what needs to be done to make the water safe for consumers.