The Long-term Effects of Smoke Damage on Your Home and Family’s Health
August 14, 2019
Living with recent smoke damage is not a possibility. Like with the flames, smoke will force you from your home. There are just too many risks to your health and household. Knowing those risks now can help you alleviate some of the trouble. You’ll know what to watch for and when to schedule fire & smoke damage restoration services.
Smoke Damage Tips
Before we dive into the lasting effects of smoke damage in and around your home, let’s explore a few professional smoke damage tips.
- Keep away from high levels of smoke. The more smoke in a confined space, the more toxic chemicals you may be breathing in all at once. These chemicals can lead to long-term health effects on the lungs and respiratory system.
- Avoid inhaling smoke for even a short period of time. Being exposed to smoke leads to eye, nose, and throat irritation.The soot left behind by the fire can be just as dangerous as smoke. Soot contains harmful chemicals that settle on hard surfaces, furniture, and flooring.
- Lingering smoke and soot odors will remain in the home until the entire area is aired out and the HVAC system is restored.
Lasting Effects of Smoke Damage
Now, let’s discuss the common effects smoke damage has on your home and health. We’ll start with your home:
- Upholstery – It’s not possible to vacuum upholstery affected by smoke damage with a household vacuum. You need an industrial unit with a HEPA filter.
- Clothing & Bedding – The fabrics in your home, especially clothing and bedding, will soak up all the burned chemicals and smoke after a fire. A special washing regimen is necessary.
- Furniture – Some types of furniture, when introduced to smoke, will stain, discolor, and corrode in a short time.
- Regarding how smoke affects your health:
- Breathing – You’ll experience shortness of breath, coughing, and bronchitis, and small children may eventually develop asthma from the smoke.
- Skin – Both smoke and soot contain harmful irritants that, when in contact with skin, may lead to dryness, rashes, and irritation. Your household lotions will not suffice in treating the problem.
- Eyes – The longer your eyes interact with the smoke, the more damage is done. The particles within the smoke can make your eyes dry, itchy, red, and uncomfortable.
- Long-Term Health – Your long-term health will be affected by smoke in numerous ways, including an increased risk of cancer, stroke, heart attack, and even developmental disabilities among young children and teenagers.
The sooner you can address your smoke damage after a fire, the better off your entire home and health will be. Trust in a reputable source for 24/7 smoke damage restoration and cleanup. Trust in Restoration 1 of Central Maryland.