Having a fire in one’s home is one of the most feared events one can have in a lifetime. While most people fear the fire itself and any loss of life or property it could cause, there are other questions that must be asked when a fire occurs. One such question is, can fire and water damage be hazardous to your health? The answer is a resounding yes. Let’s explore further the implications and health hazards presented when fire and water damage strike.
Health Hazards of Fire Damage
When a fire happens within a home, the flames seek fuel to burn. Once it finds that fuel, the fire uses it to grow more. When it burns through that, it moves on to the next fuel source and releases smoke and soot as it goes.
A health problem is that not everything that burns within a household is a natural product. Homes made with some type of combination of natural and synthetic substances, the residue left over may come from several chemical sources, like petroleum and others.
While the smoke coming from this fire may be hazardous, the leftover soot and other residues may be just as deadly. Even when you cannot see any remnants of smoke, this does not mean the burned materials and the soot they produce is not giving off toxic vapors and airborne particles.
Health Hazards from Water Damage
Water damage caused by flooding, extinguishing a fire, or a broken water pipe can also have serious health consequences if not treated adequately. Water and any leftover moisture create a natural petri dish for bacteria and mold growth to take over your home. Once this happens, it is difficult to eradicate.
Eradication efforts with water are difficult, since most water will settle within walls and flooring and will not be seen with the eye after a disaster. Without having a way to look for moisture within walls and under cabinets, it is impossible to know whether all of the water has been successfully removed.
Once mold begins to spread within a home, its spores will be released into the living area’s atmosphere and will affect everyone in the home. Those who suffer from immune deficiencies and people with asthma and other breathing issues will especially be affected by mold spores within a home.
How to Make Sure All Health Issues Are Removed
Those who seek to save money by restoring their home after a fire or water damage on their own are taking their health into their own hands. Without the proper equipment, knowledge, and experience to do the job correctly, they may leave future health hazards unaddressed.
Professional fire and water damage restoration companies have the training and modern equipment to handle removing any health hazards in your home. Moisture meters, dehumidifiers, professional cleaning solutions, and more are used to ensure each and every potential bit of soot, smoke damage, and moisture points are removed from the home before they can become unhealthy for your family. If you suffer from fire or water damage to your home, contact an expert restoration company.