In the case of a fire, 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 a requirement.
Smoke, soot, and extensive water damage are the things you have to face after this devastating occurrence. It is not an option, and the earlier you get things done, lessens the possibility of more destruction and health hazards.
Why Are There Health Threats?
Smoke and Soot Particles
Not all the things that burn cleanly burn. Numerous chemical compounds from plastics, foams, carpets, artificial fabrics, and asbestos turn into smoke and soot. Little fires can send soot particles into the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Microparticles of these chemicals are air-borne and can go into the body by inhalation into our lungs and bloodstreams.
Even short-term exposure can lead to lifelong disease when smoke and soot particles enter the body. This includes respiratory concerns such as asthma, bronchitis, and, more seriously, cancer or heart attacks.
Toxic Mold
Molds will grow anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. Microscopic spores are fungi transported 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 may include wood, carpets, insulation, and areas such as attics and crawl spaces.
Depending on the species, molds can bring mild or extreme health problems. Mild concerns 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 few dollars by doing the cleanup yourself. In that case, you might be endangering yourself, your household, or your employees. Let the professional remediation experts of PuroClean examine the damage. This could conserve you from the horrors of extensive labor and unforeseen expenses.
These experts can offer you a hand starting at assessment, clearing the space, deep cleaning, and thorough drying. The contents of the affected area are also assessed to be deemed restorable or for disposal. Their work promises little to no chance of impurities attacking your home.
Fire Remediation
After all the debris has been removed, the stains of smoke and soot are eliminated. Utilizing chemicals to clean, disinfect, and deodorize, the remediation experts make sure that all surfaces are clear.
Considering that these particles may have permeated porous surface areas, they likewise use special devices to clear the air. Filtration systems may be utilized to clean up the air and HVAC systems. Industrial fans likewise help so particles can move and make filtration more efficient.
Water Mitigation
Aside from removing standing water, fire restoration services include turning the place inside out to try to find sites where water may have seeped through. The drying process will include sealing salvageable areas to prevent further damage and tarping of damaged roofings. Industrial fans and blowers speed up drying time.
Dehumidifiers allow the remaining moisture to condense and eventually be dried out by the fans. Efficient and substantial work will be done to get rid of any water left so molds won’t develop.
The Takeaway
Fire and water damage control and remediation should be left to specialists. Spending wisely on total restoration services is much better than spending hard-earned cash on hospital expenses. No amount of money, however big it is, is as valuable as our health and the health of individuals that surround us.