When a home is devastated by a fire, the damage doesn’t stop when the fire is put out. Health dangers can linger in a home long after a fire has passed if the property is not properly cleaned and restored. In particular, soot and smoke damage can have detrimental effects on our health. Smoke can corrode metal, damage glass, and cause discoloration in drywall, fabrics, and flooring. On top of all of this, the smell left behind from smoke is unpleasant and potentially harmful.
What makes smoke damage dangerous?
Smoke damage occurs when a fire causes damages to surrounding surfaces in a home and coats it with soot and creates a lingering smell. Since smoke is compromised of a collection of chemicals like carbon, asbestos, and other harmful particles, the leftover fragments can cause severe health conditions. Even if you experienced a relatively small fire, the smoke pollution could have affected your entire home, as the smoke can spread extremely quickly. Once smoke settles on a surface, it becomes soot. This can look like a black powder coating on walls, furniture, and any other surface.
Possible Health Risks From Smoke Exposure
When exposed to smoke and soot, you may start experiencing these reactions or conditions:
- Shortness of breath
- Skin irritation
- Skin inflammation
- Eye irritation
- Asthma or bronchitis
- Cancer
- Stroke
If you suspect you have smoke damage in your home, it’s important to contact professionals to remove the soot and smoke immediately. Long term exposure can be detrimental to your health.
Different Types of Smoke
There are five main causes of smoke damage:
- Fire Extinguisher Residue: When spraying a fire extinguisher, the powder that comes out is typically non-toxic, but can still cause issues if not cleaned properly.
- Dry Smoke Residue: When a fire burns quickly, it will release a dry residue that is usually easy to clean up.
- Wet Smoke Residue: When a fire burns slowly, it will release a sticky residue that can be difficult to remove from surfaces.
- Protein Residue: This is an invisible type of residue that comes with a strong odor.
- Fuel & Oil Residue: Typically, this is not a major concern unless the fire was near stored petroleum products.
These different types of smoke can all have harmful effects on humans if left exposed in your home. Taking action with a team of professionals is always the best option when it comes to protecting the health of your family, yourself, and anyone who enters your home.
Services with FRS
Experiencing fire or smoke damage in your San Diego home? Reach out to the professionals at FRS for a consultation and quote on what we can do to help. Our team of experts is well-equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your home to its original condition. With FRS, you can rest assured knowing that your home is a healthy place for your family, yourself, and guests. Visit our website for more information on how to get started today.