Smoke from house fires can cause significant health risks, and professional smoke damage cleanup is imperative to mitigate these risks. There are four major health risks caused by smoke damage.
- Respiratory Damage: Smoke from a house fire contains particles of soot, chemicals, and other matter that can be inhaled and irritate the lungs by settling deep in the lungs. Prolonged exposure to smoke causes respiratory issues and bronchitis aggravates asthma, and leads to other serious diseases the longer you are exposed.
- Toxic Gas: Smoke contains physical particles and highly toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. These gasses are capable of poisoning and causing impaired oxygen transport into the bloodstream. This results in a range of symptoms, from dizziness and nausea to more severe symptoms, such as unconsciousness and death.
- Carcinogenic Compounds: Smoke can contain carcinogenic compounds. Prolonged exposure to compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde can increase your risk of developing cancer.
- Eye and Skin Irritants: Smoke irritates your eyes and skin. Smoke contains particles that cause your eyes to become itchy, and the smoke can cause your eyes to dry out, which leads to dry, gritty eyes. It can also irritate your skin by causing it to dry out, which can cause eczema, psoriasis flares, and overall discomfort.
Professional Cleanup and Restoration Services
Professional smoke damage cleanup services work with you to remove the fire damage from your home. Professional services are crucial for several reasons.
- Expertise: Professionals are thoroughly trained and certified in smoke damage removal and handling of damaged materials. They know how to appropriately use safety measures and proper care to protect themselves, others, and your home during the cleanup and restoration process.
- Thorough Cleaning: Professional technicians have the equipment and the knowledge to clean and remove all evidence of smoke from your home. This includes any residue, soot, smell, discoloration, and all other contaminants from any surface or contents. This means that you and your home are safe from prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals from the smoke.
- Preventing Secondary Damage: Contacting professionals for smoke damage cleanup mitigates the likelihood of secondary damage. Thorough cleanup helps to prevent mold growth, which thrives in damp conditions. Generally, water is used to put out fires. Therefore, water and smoke go hand-in-hand, and it is likely there is water somewhere mingled in the smoke damage. The sooner professionals can clean up the smoke damage, they can also mitigate any water and secondary damage.
- Indoor Air Quality Restoration: Professional smoke damage cleanup improves indoor air quality. By removing residue, soot, smell, and all other contaminants from the home, including airborne particles, the indoor air quality is much healthier for all occupants.
Contacting professionals at ERX Emergency Restoration for smoke damage cleanup can alleviate stress and give you the peace of mind to focus on rebuilding your life after your fire. We not only address physical damage, but mitigate the hidden health risks behind smoke damage, too. Our team works hard to ensure a safer, healthy environment for you and your family after a fire. ERX Emergency Restoration Experts will work with you around the clock to ensure that you and your family know you are in good hands.