Surprising Health Effects Of Fire Damage And Why Restoration Services Are Necessary

In 2017, fires were responsible for over $23 billion dollars of property damage. Nearly half of the people who die from fires die from smoke damage. Since smoke is a harmful mix of particles and gases, inhalation can cause inflammation in the lungs and airways, blocking oxygen transfer.

Fortunately, most people won’t have to respond to a tragic house fire in their lifetime, however, many people experience minor fire and smoke damage that can cause long lasting health issues. Read on for more information about how fire damage restoration in Anchorage and the Mat Su Valley can help you reduce risk. 

Fire Damage Restoration In Anchorage & The Mat Su Valley

Asthma

Asthma is a disease caused by inflammation of airways to the lungs. Poor air quality aggravates this condition. Of course, poor air quality from smoke and fire damage affect everyone, but some groups are especially at risk. If you are an older adult, a person with diabetes, a pregnant woman, or a person with heart disease, prolonged exposure to fire and smoke damage can be especially harmful. 

Eye Irritation

If you’ve ever been by a campfire when the wind is blowing the wrong direction, you know this feeling all too well. For several days and even weeks after a fire, you’ll notice that your eyes are irritated. Watery, uncomfortable, itchy red eyes are a result of soot and smoke damage that hasn’t been taken care of. Even after the actual flames have been put out, the effects still remain. 

Unknown to many people, smoke can hide between the pages of a book, inside an old piano, and deep in the fibers of rugs and carpets. Smoke doesn’t like to leave easily. That’s why it’s best to consult a professional fire damage restoration company to make sure that these health effects have no chance of bothering you. 

Skin Problems

Yes, smoke and fire damage can even affect your skin. Skin needs a clean environment to thrive. A house riddled with damage can’t provide that clean environment, so skin suffers. When skin is exposed to particles in the air, it tends to become dry and flaky. Since it’s caused by external factors, lotion doesn’t do much to moisturize. To avoid these problems, it’s important to get fire damage restoration services immediately. 

How to Protect Yourself

1. Consider buying an air cleaner. Some indoor air cleaners can help reduce indoor smoke, as long as they are the right type and size for your room. If you choose to buy an air cleaner, don’t wait until an actual fire. Make the decision early. 
2. Have a supply of masks on hand. Thankfully, most people have plenty of masks these days. To get the maximum benefit from wearing a mask, wear an N-95 or P-100 mask. These medical-grade masks are much more effective at removing microscopic particles before they enter your lungs. 
3. Talk with your healthcare provider. If you are an at-risk individual, talk with your doctor about the best way to maintain lung and heart health. Discuss how much medicine to have on hand and your asthma action plan if you have a smoke or fire problem. 

Dealing with fire and smoke damage can be a frustrating process. Since smoke likes to cling to everything it touches, basic at-home smoke removal methods are rarely effective. Call the fire damage restoration experts at TCM Restoration today to get help with any smoke and fire damage concerns.