What are the Potential Health Problems Associated with Fire Damage?

If you experience a fire within your home, the most important thing is that you made it out without being seriously hurt.  You’re naturally anxious to get your fire damage restoration completed and move back into your home and enjoy it again.  Of course, you might still be concerned about your health. That’s a wise observation, because fire damage can indeed increase certain risks to your health.  In some cases, attempting the fire damage restoration process yourself could exacerbate existing health problems.

In the immediate time of the fire and shortly afterward, smoke inhalation is the primary cause for concern. Smoke inhalation can cause a variety of health problems due to the carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals found in smoke. If you’ve experienced a home fire and have any concerns about your breathing, follow up with your family doctor regarding conditions like bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.

You might also be concerned about asbestos exposure, if the affected home is an older one. Asbestos can contribute to a number of health conditions such as mesothelioma. Lead was also used within many older homes, and inhalation of particles can contribute to brain damage, learning disabilities, and even death in rare cases. If a young child or pregnant woman lives in the home, you definitely want to make sure they are not around for the cleanup process.

Additionally, anyone who endures a traumatic event could suffer from PTSD in the future. If you have trouble sleeping, experience flashbacks or anxiety, or find yourself feeling depressed, do seek the services of a mental health practitioner. With prompt and consistent treatment, you don’t have to suffer from PTSD forever.

Otherwise, your main risks with fire damage and the restoration process could be that chemicals and soot aggravate existing asthma or allergy issues.

Professional fire damage restoration companies exist for a reason. We can work with your homeowners insurance provider, and get the cleanup work done for you. There’s no need to expose yourself to smoke, soot, hazardous building materials, or harsh cleaning chemicals. Just give us a call and we’ll get the job done for you.