Is It Safe to Live in a House with Smoke Damage?

Fires in your property are dangerous for you, your loved ones and your house. At first, fire damage repairs may be expected, but even when the flames are extinguished, you're left with another hazardous, nuisance: smoke pollution. No matter the fire's size, large or small, smoke can affect your whole home. The odor from smoke can infest the house by finding its way into walls, vents and other hard-to-reach places, and it can affect your personal belongings. The smoke soot left from the flames can also lead to damage to your house. As a fire damage restoration company, Paul Davis knows how destructive a fire can be and how hazardous smoke damage is to you and your house. Getting rid of any fragments from smoke damage is just as important as taking care of fire damage. Lingering soot and smoke can actually damage the health of anyone living inside the house. It isn't safe to live inside a house with smoke contamination, even when all the smoke is cleared away, there could still be soot and particles around that you can't see. That's why it's important to have an expert inspect your property after you've had a home fire.

Health Complications that Derive from Smoke Contamination

Tar and carbon are some of the things generated from smoke, and if these are breathed in over a duration of time, they can cause damage to your lungs. Carbon monoxide is a significant issue to take into account too. It's a harmful gas that expels oxygen in the blood when breathed in, which keeps oxygen away from the brain, heart and other organs. After your home has been through a fire, an expert can come in and examine the carbon monoxide levels in your house. A few of the health problems that can arise from smoke damage can consist of:

  • Respiratory Issues – If smoke damage is ignored, the risks of breathing in carbon monoxide and other residue can make breathing challenging and can cause concern for your sinuses and lungs. Just because the area is clear from smoke contamination doesn't mean it's safe or secure to live in. Your carpet and furniture and any other personal belongings could be ingrained with small particles and other residue that could simply be inhaled into the lungs. That's why it's vital to remove, not just smoke, but any smoke damage after you've had a fire.
  • Skin Damage – The residue that is embedded in your furniture, clothing and carpets can cause minor, or even major, skin irritation that can't be healed from lotion. That's why it's crucial to purge your personal belongings from smoke damage.
  • Eye Irritation – Your eyes are quite vulnerable to smoke pollution, and when it sticks around in your home your eyes can get itchy, watery and red. It's critical to clear the area of smoke damage because if it is ignored, your eyes could become injured from it.

Don't Let Smoke Contamination Affect Your Well-Being - Get Professional Help

Having fire damage restoration and smoke removal isn't only good for your property, but also your health. If you've had a fire in your home, look to Paul Davis. Call us at +1-403-696-8886 and a franchise near you will be on their way to help you out.