The Long Term Health Affects of Fire Damage

Posted by Alona in For the LadiesApr 14th, 2011 | no responses

Experiencing a fire can harm not only the physical part of a person but also the emotional part. Going through such an experience is traumatizing, fearful and can affect the body in many ways. There are serious health risks that can occur once the fire has been put out. To ensure that such health risks don’t become an ongoing health issue, they should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Soot Can be a Real Problem

It is a known fact that when materials in a home don’t burn up completely, a kind of black residue—filled with carbon particles are left behind. This black residue is also known as soot. Soot can cause a great deal of harm and not only does it cause awful stains and messes, it can also pose a threat to your respiratory system. Some particles of soot are small enough that they can get into your respiratory system and then seep into your blood stream. Once they get into your blood stream, they are then taken to different parts of your body. When they accumulate in your body, they can cause pneumonia, birth defects, emphysema, aggravate asthma and maybe even cause certain kinds of cancer. In addition, the affects from smoke can also get into your air vents and returns and cause your returns and vent to become polluted. That is why once you have had your home professionally cleaned and sanitized after a fire, make sure that your vents and returns are clean and good working order. Filters should be replaced every week until the air in your home is completely clear and clean.

Check Your Air Supply System

Smoke and soot can hide within the surfaces and structure of your home. Also, during the smoke and fire damage restoration procedure it is also suggested to keep a new filter in the return or returns in your home and have this replaced every week with a pleated filter, and be sure to also run air scrubbers and air purifiers as well. This kind of extensive cleaning will ensure that you home will be free of harmful substances. In addition, you may want to look into Fire and Water Damage Restoration.