Water damage is one of the most dreadful situations for any property. The contaminated intrusion of water in your home can be responsible for weakening your home’s structure and, at the same time, putting your health at risk. Know here the major health hazards of exposure to water damage.
6 Common Health Risks Posed By Water Damage
1. Allergies from mold
One of the harmful consequences of water damage is the growth of mold and mildew. The moisture build-up in your home after water damage can quickly allow fungus and harmful organisms to grow and breed within 24 hours.
This mold and mildew spores are spread into the air which can contaminate your indoor environment. Breathing this air can cause headaches, nausea, cough, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, runny nose, and other severe allergic reactions.
2. Respiratory and sinus issues
When your house gets contaminated by dirty water, it can lower the quality of your indoor air. This contaminated air can also lead to breathing problems. It can cause nasal congestion, shortness of breath, irritation in the throat, wheezing, headaches/migraines, and lung irritation.
For people with existing breathing issues, it can become more severe for them, causing major upper respiratory issues.
3. Eye and skin irritation
The water intruded into your home could be from a burst drainage pipe containing all the debris, it could be a sewage backup that has bacteria, raw sewage, or even flood water carrying harmful toxins, chemicals, and other hazardous elements.
Coming in contact with such contaminants can lead to severe eye and skin infections. It can cause watery eyes, skin irritation, rashes, redness, and other severe issues.
4. Gastrointestinal issues
If there has been water damage in the internal supply of your drinking water, the consumption of this contaminated water can cause serious issues. This can put your health at severe risk by causing diseases related to your gastrointestinal system, affecting the liver, kidneys, and digestion system.
The bacteria and toxins present in the drinking water can cause inflammation in the intestines, vomiting, nausea, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and even jaundice and Dysentery.
5. Long-term health issues
Exposure to water damage can also cause mold poisoning which can lead to long-term health issues including persistent headaches, chronic migraines, weakened immune system due to poor indoor air, long-lasting infections, and severe respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, etc.
Toxicity from mycotoxins from mold over a prolonged period can also lead to mental health issues like insomnia, lack of concentration, anxiety, and more.
6. Injuries
Water damage that affects the integrity of the structures of your home can be the reason for injuries. The moisture can weaken or loosen the elements of your home, which can fall apart at any time, causing injuries.
If the power supply is on and the water comes in contact with it, it can even lead to severe electrical shock and electrocution.
Summing Up
Water damage can pose serious risks to your health. The mold growth caused by the lack of timely water damage restoration can lead to infections and sinus issues. The polluted water or the black water can lead to severe diseases and intestinal issues. Apart from short-term issues, it can even lead to long-term persistent health conditions.
