Fire and Post-fire Damage: Prevent Health Threats

In a case of a fire in residential or business properties, water sprinklers are the first line of defense. For more extensive fires, firefighters use high-powered hoses to extinguish the flames. In any case, the fire and water damage concurrently occur, making cleanup required.

Smoke, soot, and extensive water damage are the critical things you have to face after this devastating incident. It is not an option, and the earlier you get things done decreases the chances of further deterioration and health hazards.

Why Are There Health Threats?

Smoke and Soot Particles

Not all the things that burn cleanly burn. Chemical compounds from plastics, foams, carpets, synthetic fabrics and asbestos turn into smoke and soot. Little fires can likewise send soot particles into the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Microparticles of these chemicals are airborne and can go into the body by inhalation into our lungs and bloodstreams.

Even short-term direct exposure can lead to long-lasting health problems when smoke and soot particles enter the body. This includes respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and, more seriously, cancer or cardiac arrest.

Toxic Mold

Molds will grow anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. Microscopic spores are fungi carried in the air that will grow on organic surfaces. Anything and anywhere left from the fire that has wetness is the best breeding place for mold. These might include wood, carpets, insulation, and areas such as attics and crawl spaces.

Depending on the species, molds can bring moderate or extreme illnesses. Mild problems can include asthma and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure can trigger insomnia, confusion, and neurological problems.

How to Prevent Health Issues

Seek the Professionals

Suppose you think that you can save a couple of dollars by doing the cleanup yourself. In that case, you might be risking yourself, your household, or your staff members. Let the PuroClean of Westerville remediation professionals evaluate the damage. This might save you from the horrors of extensive labor and unforeseen expenses.

These professionals can give you a hand starting at assessment, clearing the space, deep cleaning, and thorough drying. The contents of the impacted area are also assessed and deemed restorable or for disposal. Their work guarantees little to no chance of contaminants attacking your property.

Fire Remediation

After clearing out the debris, the stains of smoke and soot are eliminated. Utilizing chemicals to clean, sanitize, and deodorize, the remediation experts make sure that all surface areas are clear.

However, given that these particles may have penetrated porous surfaces, they likewise utilize special devices to clear the air. Filtration systems might be used to clean up the air and the HVAC systems. Commercial fans also help so that particles can move and make filtration more effective. Visit their fire page for more.

Water Mitigation

Aside from removing standing water, the restoration group might turn the place inside out to search for sites where water may have permeated through. The drying process will include sealing salvageable areas to prevent additional damage and tarping of affected roofings. Commercial fans and blowers speed up drying time.

Dehumidifiers likewise permit the remaining dampness to condense and eventually be carried out by the fans. Practical and substantial work will be done to remove any water left so molds won’t thrive.

The Takeaway

Fire and water damage control and restoration should be left to experts. Spending sensibly on complete remediation services is better than spending hard-earned cash on hospital expenses. No amount of money is as valuable as our health and the health of the people that surround us.

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