Water Damage: Health and Safety Concerns

Can Water Damage Make You Sick?

Water damage can cause a variety of health and safety concerns, including:

Mold: Mold can grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Some molds can also produce mycotoxins, which can cause health problems such as nausea, vomiting, and headache.
Bacteria: Bacteria can also grow on damp surfaces. Bacteria can cause a variety of infections, including skin infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
Structural damage: Water damage can weaken the structure of a building, making it more susceptible to collapse. Water damage can also damage electrical wiring, which can pose a fire hazard.

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from water damage, such as:

Keep your home dry: Fix any leaks promptly. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
Clean up water damage immediately: If your home is flooded, remove all standing water within 24 hours. Remove wet carpets, furniture, and other belongings. Dry out the area thoroughly with fans and dehumidifiers.
Contact a water damage restoration company: If you have water damage, contact a professional water damage restoration company. Water damage restoration companies can help you clean up and repair the damage, and prevent further damage from occurring.