Minimizing The Health Risks of Water Damage

Česky: Pitná voda - kohoutek Español: Agua potable (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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 True Cost Of Fire or Smoke Damage

Smoke Damage Leaves More Than Odor

Smoke odor is often trapped following a fire and lingers on your clothing and textiles. However, it is not only smoke odor which is a concern following a fire in your home. Smoke inhalation is a very common health matter for victims of any fire, along with the firefighters who save them. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires and can cause devastating injury and death.

Smoke inhalation is actually a situation in which you inhale hazardous smoke. The ailment is usually clinically diagnosed by bronchoscopy, blood testing, chest x-ray, blood gases, or pulmonary functionality assessments. Smoke inhalation could potentially cause irregular chest sounds along with a reduced pulse rate. Smoke inhalation is a major determinant in the mortality of fire victims. Smoke inhalation is a serious, life-threatening injury, and treatment should be given as soon as possible. Smoke inhalation is best avoided by preventing structural fires. Smoke inhalation is responsible for a large number of the deaths caused by structural fires each year. Smoke inhalation is more commonly associated with fire deaths than burns. Smoke inhalation may result in such substantial irritation that the air passage is occluded by swelling in the pharynx.

Smoke damage not only causes an unpleasant odor, it can also ruin photos, artwork, and electronics. Smoke damage is classified by the type of smoke that caused the damage. Smoke damage is not something a homeowner ever plans on dealing with. Smoke damage can be devastating to business owners, book collectors, or anyone with important personal books or documents.

Smoke damage can wreak havoc in your home. Smoke damage may be an extremely distressing issue to experience if it becomes bad enough. Smoke damage will also create soot damage.

Smoke damage is a covered peril in most homeowners policies. Smoke damage is not only unsightly but also hazardous to one’s health. Smoke damage is among the most significant complications with regards to an expert restoration job.

Related articles

• The Facts About Smoke Inhalation
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Let's Talk About Mold

Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors, but is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals. Mold is usually found where humidity and moisture levels are high, such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. Mold can develop when the combination of the right temperature, mold spores, moisture and a food source are present. Mold was able to grow because it has a moisture source.

Mold is constructed from mold material surrounding temporary part material which defines the mold cavity. Mold is naturally occurring and can develop on virtually any material if the conditions which foster mold development are present. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours in conditions of elevated temperature and relative humidity. Mold spores are in the air at all times but are dormant unless activated by elevated temperature and humidity.

Mold spores are constantly moving through the air - both indoor and outdoor. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold is a common problem in many homes, and even conscientious homeowners can sometimes run into a mold problem. Mold has certainly made its way into people's homes as well as the headlines recently. Mold is extremely common in homes and buildings and will grow anywhere there is moisture.

Mold will not grow if moisture is absent. Mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. Mold is caused when microscopic, airborne spores land on moist surfaces and spread rapidly. Mold is an infestation caused on surfaces exposed to water.

Mold is almost everywhere, but it is not health to live where mold is growing. Mold can damage your home, possessions and health. Mold can be especially serious, since it can cause structural damage to your home, as well as health problems. Mold is dangerous and it can cause many health problems than carbon monoxide, termites, radon or asbestos. Mold may not cause health effects, or it may lead to symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds.

Mold can have harmful effects on human health. Mold may be present in a building and result in health effects without being visible. Mold is being dubbed “the new asbestos” in the building industry. Mold is the second leading cause of outdoor airborne allergies, with pollen being the first. Mold that grew in conjunction with moisture damage was the leading cause of occupational rhinitis.

Mold can also cause structural damage to your home by weakening the wood frame. Mold can grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation.

Why Medical Aid Is NOT Just Another Variation of Health Insurance

A large number of developed/developing countries operate private healthcare systems which are largely financed by way of health insurance. In a large number of these countries, health insurance is the only hope many individuals have of being able to pay for this private healthcare. This has become a huge bug bear or many people. The huge flaw in this type of system is that insurance providers are at the most basic level money making organizations. They place their focus on turning a profit with little regard to their consumers' health. Insurers have no qualms about cutting corners to reduce costs and will often avoid risky investments, thus making some people all but uninsurable.

It's about time we looked to South Africa for guidance. A little known fact is that South Africa is actually a world leader when it comes to healthcare funding. This is due in the most part to medical aid programs. Many people assume medical aid is just another way of saying health insurance, but there are some big differences. Medical aid programs are operated by non-profit organizations, meaning they focus more on providing a great service. In this respect, medical aid is considered to be considerably superior to health insurance! Medical aid has been an important factor in building what is rapidly turning out to be one of the best private healthcare systems around the world. In fact,many medical aid providers are now starting to expand services into the Middle East and the United States.

When it comes to medical aid, everyone in that particular program pays the same monthly premium regardless of the state of their health. This is an important difference between medical aid and health insurance. Insurance providers routinely deny cover to anyone with an existing long term health problem, or else make the monthly premiums ridiculously high. This is a really big deal considering that one of the massive health concerns in South Africa is HIV and AIDS. With medical aid, those individuals diagnosed with these conditions do not have to pay anything extra.  

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.