After fire damage happened to your house, you can’t sit back and relax yet. There are numerous hidden effects of a fire loss that can have deadly consequences to you and your family.
The Hidden Effects That Fire Damage Leaves on Your Home
A house fire is a very traumatic and devastating event that can happen to a homeowner. Most of the fire damage is obvious to the naked eye. However, just because the fire has been taken care of, it doesn’t mean that the dangers of smoke and fire have passed.
Once the initial danger has passed, there are a few subtle (and potentially deadly) hidden effects that fire leaves on your home. Knowing these dangers can help you address these problems and stay safe as you restore your home to its former glory.
Hidden Effects of Smoke and Fire Damage
1. Dangers of Soot
The black residue that remains after a fire is called soot which is the result of the combustion of incomplete fossil fuel. While you can easily spot the dark black residue around the fire damage, soot particles are actually invisible to the naked eye.
And yes, soot is harmful since they can contain chemicals, acids, metals, and other hazardous materials.
When soot is not properly removed and cleaned, it can be inhaled deep into your lungs. Soot inhalation can lead to respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma.
2. Structural Damage
One of the first things that you should check after a fire is the structural integrity of your home. The last thing you want is your home caving down on you because of structural damage.
Regardless of the fire damage, it’s important to check and find out if the heat has managed to weaken some vital, foundational sections of the home.
3. Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew is another type of hidden damage that can affect your home after a fire. Extinguishing a fire can take thousands of gallons. While most of the water will evaporate due to heat, the rest just kind of sits there.
That’s just the kind of condition that’s ideal for mold and mildew growth.
Most common molds can cause minor irritation and symptoms. However, one needs to keep an eye on black mold. The black mold can be very difficult to detect and can cause skin conditions, immune system issues, vision problems, and in the worst case scenario, death.
4. Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is another hidden aspect that most homeowners overlook. Asbestos is present is roof adhesives, cement sheets, drywall, and floor tiles. Asbestos is highly durable and fireproof. While this naturally occurring mineral is considered safe unless it’s disturbed.
Toxic asbestos can be released into the air. When a person inhales airborne asbestos, it can potentially scar the lung tissue. At its worst, asbestos inhalation can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Again, asbestos in itself is perfectly safe but fire and asbestos is a deadly combination.
Stay Safe from the Hidden Effects of Fire Damage
Just because the fire has been put out, it doesn’t mean that you’re out of the woods yet. Informing yourself about the hidden effects of fire damage will help prevent the deadly consequences to your health.