Do you know how dangerous soot can be for human health? Read on to study the health hazards of soot.
Fire incidents can be traumatic, and dealing with its aftermath can be even more stressful. Depending on the extent of the fire, your home’s structure and belongings may get damaged. Most property owners realize this but fail to account for the health risks associated with soot that’s left behind. It’s not just about the foul odor that lingers after a fire incident. Exposure and inhalation of soot particles can be outright dangerous for you and other occupants.
In this guide, you’ll study the health hazards associated with soot, but before that, let’s find out what exactly soot is:
What is Soot?
Soot is the black residue that invades surfaces and penetrates deep into them after a fire incident. It’s composed of tiny carbon particles that are released from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as oil, wood, coal, etc. Soot comprises acids, metals, dust, chemicals, and soils and leaves a foul smell in the interior and exterior spaces.
During a residential or commercial fire, soot quickly spreads all over the space. Given its acidic properties, soot can pollute the indoor air quality of the location. Let’s now examine the health hazards of soot:
Health Hazards of Soot
According to research published in The New York Times, for each day-to-day increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of soot, there was a 1.5% increase in deaths.
Present-day homes contain an array of chemicals not found in early residential properties. These include plastics, fabrics, wood products, wool, foams, carpets, asbestos-containing materials, and synthetic fibers. The chemicals present in fine soot particles released from the incomplete combustion of these items are extremely harmful to human health. The health risks associated with soot include:
Dry Skin
Soot contains harmful irritants that often lead to rashes, irritation, and dryness of the skin. Skin exposed to soot will require special treatment. Regular lotions won’t be effective.
Shortness of Breath
Inhaling soot can lead to breathing problems. You may experience coughing, and the condition can soon translate into asthma. For infants, even short-term exposure to soot can significantly hamper the development of respiratory systems.
Eye Problems
Eyes exposed to smoke for extended periods can make them feel dry, red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
Lung Disorder
A person who inhales fine soot particles can contract lung diseases such as bronchitis. For those who have asthma, soot inhalation can aggravate the condition. It can also increase the chances of heart attacks for people with pre-existing heart diseases.
Long-Term Health Issues
Exposure to soot can also impact your long-term health in various ways. It has been linked to developmental disabilities among teenagers and young children and an increased risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Now that you’re aware of the health hazards of soot, don’t ignore its presence around you. If your property was recently damaged by fire, seek professional fire and smoke damage cleaning services.
