Do you know the health risks of home water damage? Read on to find out!
When water damage occurs because of a flood, a burst pipe, or sewage backup, homeowners often tend to focus too much on property damage caused by standing water and neglect the damage that it causes to their health. There are various degrees and types of water damage that cause multiple and progressive health problems. This is why you must deal with the water damage right away, without putting yourself in harm’s way.
Here are the types of water damage and the health risks that they pose:
Clean Water Damage
Clean water from leaking faucets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and other appliances can flood your home and cause water damage. Clean water damage refers to water damage in which the water itself is free of allergy and infection-causing microorganisms. While the water itself isn’t hazardous to your health, if it’s left unattended, it can cause mold and mildew to take root in your home.
Mold and mildew are fungi that can cause various health issues such as allergies and breathing problems. Toxic mold such as black mold can also cause severe health issues relating to the brain and lungs. This is why it’s best to remove the standing water and excess moisture from your home to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Dirty Water Damage
Water from sump pumps and toilets contains hazardous contaminants such as microorganisms that can cause negative health effects via direct contact or by becoming aerosolized. Dirty standing water can expose you to a whole host of viruses and bacteria.
This is why you must protect yourself by wearing protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and boots when removing such excess water from your home. However, you also need to disinfect the affected area to remove all the risks of water damage. This is why it’s best to hire a professional water removal and restoration service to get rid of the dirty water and remove the contaminants.
Black Water Damage
Blackwater damage is water damage caused by water that contains sewage, human waste, various bacteria and viruses, and chemical waste. When it comes to black water damage, floods and sewage backups are common culprits. Microorganisms, toxins, and mold from waste material in black water can cause a whole host of allergic reactions. Extended exposure to such water can lead to serious respiratory issues and lung infection.
This is why it’s best to avoid contact with black water. If you face black water damage, let a professional service get rid of the black water and resultant damage in your home. They have the right gear, tools, and expertise needed to safely deal with the contaminants in black water and disinfect and restore your home.
The aforementioned types of water damage can cause varying degrees of health issues and create conditions that are hazardous to human health. This is why you must deal with water damage right away before it starts affecting your health.
