A Microbe is a group of extremely small life forms that are usually visible only with the aid of a microscope.

A micron is a unit of measure equal to one-millionth of a meter or 0.00003937 of an inch and is the standard unit of measure for microbes.

Many microbial organisms are present in sewage and water damage. Some examples of these are:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Parasites
• Fungi

Viruses

• Ultra small (.03 to.25 microns)
• Can only replicate in a host organism
• Can invade a living cell
• Extremely durable

The following viruses are transmitted:

• Hepatitis A or E (water borne pathogen)
• Hepatitis B or C (blood borne pathogen)
• HIV or AIDS (blood borne pathogen)
• Influenza (blood borne pathogen)

Bacteria

• Extremely small (.4 to 10 microns).
• Some are saprophytic (feeding on non living organisms).
• Some are parasitic (feeding on living organisms).
• Can be aerobic or anaerobic (needing or not needing oxygen to survive).
• Classified as either Gram Negative or Gram Positive.

Gram negative bacteria produce endotoxins that will be present in the cell walls even if the bacteria are dead. They are released when the bacteria die and the cell walls break apart. These are the most prevalent microorganisms present in sewage.

Endotoxins can cause adverse health effects at very low concentrations.

Bacteria

Living gram positive bacteria may produce exotoxins within the cell.

Exotoxins can cause adverse health effects at very low concentrations.

A major concern in water damage environments is exposure to the exotoxin Clostridium tetani (tetanus).