What are the Health Risks of Water Damage?

Water damage can have serious consequences for both property owners and their families' health. Learn about different types of water damage & their associated risks.

What are the Health Risks of Water Damage?

Water damage can be a serious problem for any home or business, and it is important to understand the potential health risks associated with it. Depending on the source of the water, it may contain chemicals and toxins that can create serious health threats. Insects, fungi, and mold can also be attracted to moisture, and all of these can cause allergies and respiratory problems. It is important to recognize the different types of water damage and the possible health risks associated with each type.

Clean water damage is water damage in which excess water itself is free of microorganisms that can cause allergies or infections in people. This type of water damage includes leaks from certain plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and sinks, as well as leaking dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances. While the initial damage caused by water from these sources is not hazardous to health, ignoring it can lead to mold growth in the affected areas, which is harmful to your health. Damage caused by clean water must be cleaned before it can harbor mold or mildew growth.

Dirty water or sewage containing hazardous pollutants can be hazardous to your health. If water damage is widespread or may have been absorbed by surrounding building materials, it is best to call a water damage restoration professional to make sure they are completely eliminated. Regardless of the source, water damage can have negative effects on your health and are classified into different types depending on the level of contaminants it contains. However, any kind of water damage, including clean water damage, can create conditions that are hazardous to health if ignored, so it is very important to react quickly to all water damage.

If excess water in your home or building is extensive or you think you may be dealing with dirty water or sewage, contact a water damage restoration professional near you. These professionals can effectively clean all kinds of water damage and disinfect the area to eliminate any health threat. You may be getting sick or are already experiencing the harmful health effects of hidden water damage in your home. Even the smallest leak in the wall can cause mold and, at the same time, jeopardize the structural integrity of your home and put your entire family at risk for respiratory disease. Ignoring Water Damage Can Be Dangerous. If you don't fix it as soon as possible, there's a chance it could cause electrical damage to your home.

Water damage from flooding in your basement could lead to disaster, so you need to be very careful about the consequences. Tackle flood cleanup as soon as you can to avoid further problems. Returning Home After a Flood May Increase Risk of Exposure to Mold, Chemical Hazards, and Injuries. Floodwaters may contain harmful bacteria and microbes that can make you sick and stay in your belongings. Toxins, chemicals, and contaminants remain on water-damaged furniture long after it has dried.

Leave the water in your house too long and mold, insects and fungi will appear. They can worsen your allergies, cause respiratory infections, and aggravate a host of other health problems. Whether it's a recurring leak or a flooded basement, water damage is a problem that needs to be taken seriously. If you don't deal with water damage right away, you or your employees could develop health problems. A small leak could cause mold, which can cause a variety of other problems, including allergies, chronic migraines, and respiratory problems. Not only is it a health hazard, but water damage causes damage to your home or business, causing you to spend more money and jeopardize the health and safety of others. In the most severe cases, flood waters can spread dangerous diseases such as cholera, typhoid or tuberculosis.

Standing water also acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can spread malaria, as well as a large number of bacteria, including E. While health problems such as these are not common or widespread in floods here in the United States,. The longer you wait to start cleaning from water damage, the more the paint on the ceiling and wall will discolor and the plaster will bulge. After that, it may be too late to buy or rent the equipment you need to avoid irreversible water damage or alleviate unhealthy living conditions. Carpet deterioration: Water damage can deteriorate the padding and stitching work of the carpet, as well as leaving an area with a horrible and unavoidable smell.

Water Bill: A steady increase in your water bill is another sign that there is a leak in your water system. A heavy-duty water pump, flood pumping pump or industrial wet vacuum is the most effective way to remove a large amount of standing water. In addition to property damage, flood water and excess moisture can create a myriad of potentially serious health hazards. Being prepared helps, and that may include flood insurance, contact information for remediation professionals, and possession of some standard water damage equipment that can help you recover property more quickly and avoid health problems. You may not notice them at first, but they can enter through cracks in windows broken by water, damage, flooding. Prolonged water damage can lead to weakened structures, unpleasant odors, an indicator of mold and mildew growth, poor indoor air quality, and toxic mold growth that...

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