Four Health Risks Associated with Fire Damage

After a house or building fire, cleanup and rebuilding often take priority. Did you know that fire damage and improper cleanup can pose some serious health risks? Today, we'll take a look at four of the most common health risks associated with fire damage and why proper cleanup is a necessity.

1. Air Pollution

When materials like plastics and insulations burn, they release harmful chemicals into the air. Breathing in pollutants from a house fire can cause a number of respiratory issues. The smoke from the fire contains harmful chemicals that can irritate your lungs and airways. Inhaling too much smoke can damage your lung tissue and make it difficult to breathe. Even if you don't suffer from any serious respiratory problems, you may still experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. If you have asthma or another lung condition, it's especially important to avoid exposure to smoke from a fire.

If you've been affected by a fire, make sure to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and the environment from harmful chemicals. The first step is to contact a professional cleanup company. These companies are trained in handling hazardous materials and will know how to safely remove and dispose of them. The company may also be able to help with odor control and air quality issues. In any case, it's always better to leave this type of work to the professionals.

2. Mold Exposure

After a fire, the last thing you want to worry about is mold. But unfortunately, mold growth is a very real risk in homes and buildings that have been damaged by fire. There are a few things that contribute to this risk. First of all, firefighting efforts often involve using large amounts of water, which can soak building materials and lead to the growth of mold spores. Secondly, smoke and soot can settle on wet surfaces, providing the perfect environment for mold to take hold. Finally, damaged building materials are often not properly cleaned or replaced, providing ongoing opportunities for mold to grow.

Inhaling mold spores can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks and other allergic reactions.

Of course, the best way to prevent mold growth after a fire is to take steps to dry out the affected area as quickly as possible. A professional remediation and restoration company may bring in industrial fans or dehumidifiers, and remove wet materials altogether.

3. Eye Irritation

If you've ever been in a house or building fire, you know that one of the first things to sting your eyes is the smoke. But have you ever wondered what exactly in the smoke is causing your eye irritation? It turns out that there are three main culprits: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. All three of these gases are produced when organic materials like wood or paper are burned. And all three of them can cause serious eye irritation.

After a fire, the last thing you want to worry about are lingering chemicals that could cause eye irritation. Fortunately, there are professionals who can eliminate these irritants. The first step is to identify the source of the irritation. This can be anything from smoke and soot to cleaning chemicals that were used before the fire. Once the source is easily identified, the professionals will work to remove it from your home or building. This may involve power washing surfaces, using air purifiers or even repainting affected areas.

4. Structural Insecurity

A fire is one of the most destructive forces a house or building can endure, which can cause extensive damage to the structure itself. This damage can make the structure unstable and unsafe, posing a serious threat to anyone who enters. One of the most common dangers is the threat of collapse. Weakened by the fire, the house or building may be at risk of collapsing, which may trap or injure anyone who is inside.

After a fire, call a professional fire damage remediation company to restore the safety of your home or building. These companies are trained to assess the stability of the structure and take steps to secure it so that your home or commercial building will be safe once it’s time to return.

Fire Damage Remediation Services

Fire damage can cause a variety of health risks, from respiratory problems to future safety issues. It’s crucial to work with a professional fire damage remediation team that knows how to safely clean up and restore your home. Hays + Sons offers comprehensive services that will get your home or building back to its pre-fire condition quickly and efficiently. Contact Hays + Sons for more information about our fire damage remediation services.

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