Health Hazards Due To Water Damage

Water Damage not only causes damage to buildings and homes but it also has a serious impact on the health of people. Water Damage is caused by leaky pipes, floods, ice dams, clogged gutters, low-quality building materials, unbalanced ducts and improper vents. This results in accumulation of water and increased levels of moisture inside the house, resulting in poor quality of indoor air and growth of molds and other contaminants.

If not acted upon quickly, water damage poses serious threat to you and your family's health and may even take life if the problem gets worse without getting the necessary medical treatment. Here's a list of water damage outcomes and how they can affect a person's wellbeing.

Molds
Molds are microscopic fungi that thrive on moist places. In a water-damaged home, molds can develop within 24-48 hours. Molds are very dangerous to human beings. They can cause allergic reactions, asthma and other breathing problems. This problem gets worse in case of children, elderly people, pregnant women and other people who have existing respiratory problems. Their presence can be identified by a slight discoloration on the wall along with a musty odor. Molds have to be removed immediately. This can be done by drying out the wet areas or by taking the help of a specialist.

Contaminated Water
Another potential health hazard is the mixing of sewage or contaminated water with pure drinking water. This normally occurs because of floods or any other outbursts of water, septic tanks, clogs in drainage systems and leakages from sewer lines. This contaminated water is a perfect breeding ground for insects, viruses and bacteria and can cause many diseases like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and diphtheria. People with low resistance levels are more prone to these diseases.

Structural Problems
Water damage can cause extensive structural problems to the buildings. It can cause damages to walls, windows and structural pillars. It can even weaken the foundation of the house. Stairs and roofs can collapse under the heavy weight of water. Attics can accumulate a lot of moisture resulting in development of molds.

Damages to the interior of the house
Water damage can ruin the interior decorations of the house. Walls and paint can peel off, valuable items can get dirty or broken, carpets, furniture, clothes, curtain drapes and other items can be stained, books, photographs and other fragile items may be destroyed and floor tiles can be damaged. Electrical appliances may short circuit or malfunction due to water and can cause electrical shocks.

Solutions
In case of water damage, the water or the damp area has to be dried out. This can be done by checking for leaks and other signs of moisture. Once the source of the problem is found, it has to be fixed immediately. Also, it is better to throw out all the food that has been exposed to contaminated water. In most cases, it is better to seek professional help. They have the required training and equipment needed to handle these situations and they will know exactly how to restore your water-damaged structure and belongings.

About the Author

Isolde Werry speaks about homeowner issues for commercial water damage and commercial water restoration in Long Island

Author Profile: werry55

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