Are you aware of the dangers of smoke and soot exposure? Read this article to find out.
If you have recently experienced fire damage on your property, then avoiding professional smoke clean up services is not a good idea. Smoke and soot are dangerous, and the longer they are allowed to stay, the more harmful they will prove to be.
The Dangers of Smoke and Soot
Smoke and soot leave behind a bad odor. Plus, constant exposure to the two can have an adverse impact on your health. Old people and children are most vulnerable to the dangers of smoke and soot because they have weaker immune systems.
During a fire, when combustion takes place, not very material burns smoothly. As a result, smoke is produced along with a powdery particulate matter called soot. Both smoke and soot comprise chemicals that are detrimental to human health. Modern house structures contain wood, metal and plastic. When these materials are burned, they make the cleanup process a lot messier and difficult.
Exposure to Smoke and Soot
You can be exposed to smoke and soot in several ways. Exposure can take place via the eyes, the skin, or the respiratory tract.
The worst part about soot particles is that they are extremely small and mostly airborne. Therefore, you never know when you are infected. The moment soot enters your bloodstream, you can face a variety of health issues. Some of these problems include shortness of breath, bronchitis, asthma, stroke, cancer and heart attack. In small children, exposure to smoke and soot can lead to lifelong consequences.
Toxic Materials Found in Smoke and Soot
Some of the most common toxic materials found in smoke and soot are as follows.
- Asbestos fibers found in building materials can cause Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer.
- Carbon materials produce tar, carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen and Nitrogen Oxides.
- Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC forms hydrogen chloride, bromomethane and Halocarbons.
- Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons can result in the formation of alcohols, acrolein, ketone, formaldehyde and furfural.
- Smoke released from the incomplete combustion of wood also contains several chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Professional Smoke and Soot Cleanup
Most regrettably, the dangers of smoke and soot aren’t eliminated after the fire is put out. Unless you invest in professional smoke and soot cleanup, the dangers of smoke and soot will continue to linger within your living space. The right cleaning products, cleaning tools and proper safety gear are needed to get rid of smoke and soot. You may be the best handyman around the house, but you may not possess the equipment needed to eliminate smoke and soot after a fire has been put out. This is where a professional fire damage restoration company comes in.
