Water Damage And Your Health

Every Las Vegas homeowner who has ever experienced a water damage disaster knows that water damage can be a nightmare to deal with. Luckily, there are some pretty amazing water damage cleanup companies, Like ERX, located in Las Vegas and if you contact them as soon as you discover the water damage you are in good hands.

Some homeowners will attempt to clean up the water on their own…and this can have disastrous consequences. Not only does water do significant damage to your home and other property, but it can harm your wellbeing as well.

Water Damage: Bad for Your Property, Harmful to Your Health

Most of us are aware of the damage that water can cause to our homes. From structural damage to a total destruction of walls and hardwood floors…not to mention the havoc the water wreaks on our personal belongings, such as important papers and electronics. All of the things mentioned can be replaced. When it comes to our personal health and well-being, that’s a different story. Our health can’t be easily recovered and that is why it is critical that homeowners understand how water damage can potentially affect our health.

Common Health Problems Caused by Water Damage

Mold Growth

When the water damage cleanup process isn’t started in a timely manner, or a “do-it-yourself” attempt fails to remove all the excess moisture in your home, there a high possibility for mold to start growing. Exposure to mold is one most common health risks where water damage is concerned. There are thousands of mold varieties and some of those varieties are harmless, however, there are also several types that can cause minor discomfort or serious illness, depending on the individual who has been exposed to the mold and how long they were exposed to the fungi. Some of the most common symptoms of mold exposure are:

• Respiratory fatigue, such as shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Sinus congestion.
• Fatigue or exhaustion.
• Stiffness or joint pain.
• Headaches and/or achey eyes.
• Chronic coughing.

Pathogenic and toxigenic mold types can cause more severe symptoms. Pathogenic molds can cause infections and compromise weak immune systems. Pneumonia and fungal growth in the lungs are the top health concerns from exposure to this type of mold.

Toxigenic molds are even more dangerous because they produce mycotoxins. What are mycotoxins you ask? Mycotoxins are a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health effects on just about anyone who gets near it. Immunosuppression and cancer are the top concerns from exposure to this toxic fungus.

Black Water

Blackwater is the worst type of water you and your property can face. Blackwater, also known as contaminated water, often contains fecal material, infectious diseases, or chemicals. Dysentery, typhoid, and cholera are just a few of the infectious diseases you can become exposed to when dealing with contaminated water damage.

It is important that if a water damage disaster occurs in your Las Vegas home you take extreme care around the water. Avoid entering any areas that have been affected by the water damage. If you have must enter the area, make sure to equip yourself with protective clothing and the proper gear.

Professional water damage cleanup companies have a certified team of technicians that know how to safely clean up and contaminated water and prevent mold growth. If mold has already started to grow the technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove the mold from your home.