Health Risks Associated with Water Damage Remediation: Protecting Your Family

As soon as a water damage event takes place, many people are tempted to jump right in to start the cleanup process. After all, the risk of secondary damage grows significantly with every hour that passes. However, it’s important that homeowners take a moment to consider the health risks associated with DIY water damage remediation.

Whether the damage came from a pipe burst or storm flooding, there are a number of dangers that can lurk in the water. In order to keep family members safe, homeowners need to be on the lookout for the following health risks that could hinder their remediation process.

Exposure to Mold Growth

Mold can start growing in a home just 24 hours after a water damage event takes place. The rate of growth can be faster or slower depending on several factors. If the home is in a warm and humid environment, the problem is only exacerbated.

The worst part is that there are so many different types of mold that can grow in a home. Some of the more mild cases can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive respiratory systems. However, there are some types of mold that are much more toxic and can have harmful effects on the people who come in contact with the spores. Wearing a mask and other protective gear can protect homeowners from exposure to these mold species.

Exposure to Harmful Bacteria 

Depending on the source of the water, homeowners may have to worry about exposure to harmful bacteria. Clean water sources are safe to clean, but if the water is classified as grey or blackwater, it’s important that people wear the proper protective equipment before entering the affected area.

Black water can expose people to biohazards from sewage water. It can also contain dirt, viruses, and other microorganisms. Even grey water can pose health risks because the water usually harbors some sort of bacteria from the appliances or pipes. Therefore, it’s important that people wear gloves, boots, and even coveralls when entering the flooded area.

Exposure to Chemicals

Homeowners and their families also have to be cautious of any chemicals that could be in the water. Again, if the damage was caused by clean water, there is little risk, but many homeowners might be dealing with grey or black water. These types of water can have chemicals from cleaning products or other solutions.

In fact, grey water from washing machines or dishwashers may have harsh chemicals. If homeowners aren’t sure of the chemicals that could be in the water, they are better off leaving it to the water damage remediation professionals.

Danger from Structural Damage

Water damage events can also put a homeowner and their family in a dangerous spot if there is structural weakness. When building materials absorb too much water, they can start to sag, collapse, or soften. Wet drywall can be especially dangerous as it can cause ceilings to collapse.

Homeowners should also watch out for rot that can weaken the framing and other wooden elements of their home. A saturated subfloor can also weaken to the point of collapsing beneath a person. 

Electrical Shock Risk

Any time that water comes in contact with electricity there is a risk of electrical shock. When a home floods, water can reach electrical outlets, appliances, and damaged wires. For that reason, homeowners should proceed with caution when entering a water-damaged property. 

The best thing that homeowners can do to protect themselves and their families is to shut off the electricity. If the electrical panel can be reached, they may be able to isolate the affected area. Otherwise, they may have to shut off the electricity to the entire house until the issue can be resolved.

Wild Animals, Rodents, and Bugs

Finally, it’s important to watch out for wild animals and bugs that may enter a home with floodwater. Snakes may enter the home with stormwater, and rodents with harmful bacteria can find their way inside as well. 

That’s not all!

Even regular water damage can draw bugs into a home. Homeowners will need to watch out for mosquitos and other bugs that might bite or lay eggs inside.

Learn More About the Health Risks of a DIY Water Damage Remediation

Want to know more about how to stay safe when completing water damage remediation? Then Ogden homeowners should contact Swift Restoration & Remodeling right away. Their trained professionals can handle the entire process so that their customers can stay safe. Best of all, they are available 24/7 for emergency services, so homeowners can call them any time a disaster strikes!