Water damage is a common problem that homeowners face. Water can find its way into your home, from leaky pipes to flooding and wreaking havoc. While the visible damage caused by water can be easy to spot and address, the unseen damage to indoor air quality can be just as concerning.
Water Damage Cleanup – Columbia, South Carolina
When water damage hits your home, the last thing you would think has impacted the air quality. However, it can affect indoor air quality in various ways.
Mold Growth
One of the most concerning ways water damage can affect indoor air quality is through mold growth. Mold spores are present in the air around us, but they only become a problem when they have a source of moisture to grow on. Water damage creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive, and it can grow within 24 hours, spreading throughout your home.
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In addition, some types of mold produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful to your health.
Airborne Contaminants
Water damage can also lead to the release of airborne contaminants in your home. Standing water present in the home becomes a perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to breed and spread. These will become airborne and can put those exposed at risk for lung disease when inhaled. Even if the source of the flood is clean, microorganisms can always grow and affect your home’s indoor quality.
Exposure to airborne contaminants can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and allergic reactions. Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to the effects of airborne contaminants.
Dust Mites
Another way that water damage can affect indoor air quality is through the growth of dust mites. Dust mites are tiny insects that live in dust and feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm, humid environments, making water-damaged homes the perfect breeding ground. Moreover, if the humidity in your home is consistently high, the number of dust mites in your home will continue to grow, even after water damage is removed.
Exposure to dust mites can cause a variety of health problems, especially for those with allergies. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. In addition, dust mites can aggravate asthma symptoms.
Water damage can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. Mold growth, airborne contaminants, and dust mites are just a few of the ways that water damage can affect your health. If you have water damage in your home, it’s essential to address it quickly to prevent these issues from occurring. A professional water damage cleanup company such as Rumsey Construction can help to remove the water and dry out your home to prevent mold growth and the growth of other contaminants. After removing the water damage, they can also sanitize your home to ensure that it is safe and healthy for you and your family.
