Minimizing The Health Risks of Water Damage

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If you have experienced flooding in your property then you may already know that aside from the physical water damage, you will also need to pay heed to the potential health risks that it brings with it. There are a number of ways that you can minimize not only the extent of the damage, but also the hazard to your health.

When flooding is brought about by natural causes such as heavy rain or an overflowing river, then there will be a very high likelihood that the flood water is contaminated from mixing with water from sewage and drainage systems. This type of water is known as 'grey' water and is rife with bacteria and micro-organisms. That means it is very important to ensure that all harmful bacteria is killed and that the area is treated to ensure that the germs do not spread following the flood. Stagnant water it is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and will also attract insects like fleas and ticks all of which can spread disease, so it is essential that the problem is handled appropriately.

If the flooding is down to burst pipes or water supply problems, then it is not to say that contamination won't occur. In my experience, it is always best to assume that the flood water is contaminated which is why I would never attempt to clean up flooding on my own. I always call in a professional who is equipped to deal with the potential problems.

Some precautions you can take are to not drink anything other than bottled water until local authorities give the all clear and to ensure your water supply has been decontaminated. Never underestimate the health risks that come hand in hand with flooding.

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• The Hidden Danger Of Water Damage
• What Is Water Damage?
• Dealing With Sewage Safely
• How to Prepare Your Home Against Flooding
• The True Cost Of Fire or Smoke Damage

The Facts About Smoke Inhalation

When it comes to deaths related to house fires, statistics show that the number one cause is smoke inhalation. It has been suggested that between 50 and 80 percent of deaths are from smoke inhalation rather than burns. Smoke inhalation occurs when individuals breath in the by-products of the fire. There is no way to identify the exact composition of this substance as every fire is different, but it is a combination of heated particles and gases. The exact components will depend on the substances which are burning and the amount of fuel and oxygen being consumed by the fire.

The reason why smoke inhalation causes so much damage to the body is that it triggers asphyxiation. Basic asphyxiation is a lack of oxygen, but smoke inhalation can also cause chemical asphyxiation, chemical irritation, or in many cases a mixture of all of them. In the case of basic asphyxiation, often the fire simply burns up all of the oxygen leaving none for the individual to breathe. Fires can also produce chemical compounds which can damage our ability to use oxygen on a cellular level. Some of the compounds produced are carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of death in cases of smoke inhalation. Irritant compounds are also formed during combustion and cause injury on contact with the skin or membranes. These compounds, which include sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen chloride and chlorine, can damage the respiratory tract causing swelling, airway collapse and other breathing difficulties when inhaled.

If you are involved in a fire, it is essential to be checked over by a medical professional even if you do not feel unwell. Some symptoms of smoke inhalation do not appear straight away. The symptoms include, but are not limited to, a cough, difficulties breathing, hoarseness, headaches, discoloration of the skin and sudden changes in mental health.