Residents report health concerns, potential contamination after Hurricane Helene floods

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina communities are facing not only the devastation of destroyed homes and businesses but also rising concerns about potential contamination in floodwaters and mud.

Severe flooding has wiped out entire towns, triggered mudslides, and left residents with questions about the safety of the debris and sludge left behind.

In the small town of Marshall, Alex Webber, a local painter, is among those dealing with the aftermath. As she works to dig out what remains of her downtown shop, Webber has experienced several health issues, which she believes may be related to exposure to the mud.

“The first three days of cleanup, I either had no gloves or permeable gloves,” Webber said. “My husband mentioned he must be getting a sunburn before we realized it may be a reaction to the mud. After that, I was able to get heavy waterproof gloves up to my mid-arm.”

Webber described a persistent sunburn-like sensation on her hands and arms, as well as tingling in her toes. Her husband’s boots also started deteriorating after exposure to the mud. “The parts of my body that were exposed feel like a cross between a sunburn and the sensation of IcyHot,” she said.

The town of Marshall alone cleared out 700 tons of debris in just one day, but there is still much work to be done. State and local officials are urging residents and volunteers to wear proper PPE gear and gloves while cleaning up to minimize health risks.

In response to growing concerns, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is investigating potential contamination sources, including the Silver-Line PVC plant in Woodfin, which was severely damaged during the storm. Sharon Martin, a DEQ spokesperson, said the agency, along with federal EPA On-Scene Coordinators, is working to identify and address any contamination.

“DEQ has received reports of concerns about downstream impacts due to damage to the Silver-Line facility,” Martin said. “In response, inspectors have visited the location, and no injuries were confirmed related to potential exposure in this area.”

The DEQ clarified that, according to their records, Silver-Line is not listed as a hazardous waste generator and did not have significant quantities of hazardous chemicals on site. However, Martin advised residents to exercise caution when dealing with flood-affected areas.

“Given the widespread impacts of the storm and flooding, generally speaking, the public is advised to treat areas that have flooded and any substances of unknown origin with caution,” Martin said. “If there is a noticeable chemical odor or spilled container of a hazardous material, ask your local health department or fire department for help.”

For more guidance, residents can visit the DEQ and NCDHHS websites. As the cleanup continues, officials urge the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety when working in impacted areas.