After a flood or any significant moisture event in a home or commercial facility, it’s tempting to mop up the water yourself, dry the carpet, fix the leaky plumbing, get a new water heater, and think you’re all done. But if water damage has occurred, going on living with it could be hazardous. Today, we’re going to detail the different types of health hazards that are caused by incorrectly taking care of water damage, and what that unaddressed water damage can do to a building.
Allergies
If anyone who lives and works on your property has allergies, water damage can agitate their symptoms. These allergies are mainly caused by the buildup of mold in areas where water damage occurred and its particles spreading through the air.
The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to hay fever and other airborne allergens. These include:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- An itchy, scratchy throat
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
If someone in your family or on your staff starts to exhibit common allergy symptoms, it’s essential to make sure there is no mold in the building that might be causing the flare-up. Water damage is one of the most common sources of mold growth, so calling in the professionals is a must. ServiceMaster works as a water damage company in Reading, PA, and our team is anytime to rid your space of allergens.
Infections
The increase of mold and other fungi and bacteria throughout a building can lead to much more than just allergy agitation. These microbial particles floating through the air can increase the risk of respiratory infections, including bronchitis.
Some symptoms that you or a family member may be suffering from a respiratory infection caused by mold include:
- Skin and eye irritation
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
If anyone in your home or business is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we recommend consulting with a medical professional. If water damage and mold are the culprits, do not hesitate to contact us to help remove them.
This infographic highlights the dangers of ignoring water damage in a residence.
The Takeaway
Water damage isn’t just a structural issue in a home or commercial building. The implications of leaving water damage unresolved can cause life-altering severe health problems. If anyone in the building is immunocompromised in any form, it is critical that you take precautions and immediately reach out for assistance in fixing the water damage and removing all traces of mold caused by it.
If you need help with resolving your water damage in or around Reading, PA, please contact us as soon as possible.
