Flood and Fire Aftermath: How Air Quality Affects Your Health

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Image of a couple with masks and a paper

After a flood or fire, the air quality in the affected area can be significantly compromised, adversely affecting your health. Understanding the risks associated with indoor air contaminants after a disaster is essential. Let’s explore how residential house cleaning services can help improve air quality after catastrophic events. We will discuss the effects of poor air quality on health and what you can expect from residential house cleaning services. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better prepared to protect yourself and your family from the risks associated with poor air quality. 

How Air Quality Can Affect Your Well-Being after a Flood or Fire 

Air quality is an important indicator of your health and the health of your home. The physical effects of poor air quality are wide-ranging and can range from respiratory issues and headaches to cardiovascular disease and cancer. 

Homeowners must be aware of their home's air quality after a flood or fire so they can take proper steps to return their residence to its pre-disaster condition. A professional residential cleaning service, like SERVPRO, specializes in all aspects of cleaning and remediation after a disaster to reduce and eliminate the contributing factors of poor indoor air quality. Some of these factors include: 

• Smoke and Soot Inhalation. The smoke and soot released during a fire contain harmful particles, gases, and chemicals. Inhaling these substances can irritate your respiratory system, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and aggravating conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Prolonged exposure to smoke and soot can also increase the risk of respiratory infections. 
•  Mold and Fungal Growth. After a flood, excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mold growth. Mold releases spores into the air, which can cause respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and throat irritation. Individuals with allergies or asthma may experience more severe reactions. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can contribute to developing or worsening respiratory conditions.  

•  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Both fires and floods can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals found in various materials, including building materials, furniture, and household products. Inhaling high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and in some cases, long-term health effects.  

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning. In the aftermath of a fire, the risk of carbon monoxide increases. CO is a colorless, odorless gas originating from the incomplete combustion of fuels. Breathing in high levels of CO can lead to headaches, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness, and death. Ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding using combustion appliances in enclosed spaces is critical until they are deemed safe.  
•  Particulate Matter (PM). Fires and floods can generate high levels of particulate matter into the air. PM refers to tiny particles suspended in the air, including dust, soot, ash, and other contaminants. Inhaling PM can irritate the respiratory system, trigger or worsen respiratory conditions, and have cardiovascular effects.  

By being proactive about assessing the air quality in your home, you are taking steps toward protecting yourself and your family from potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality. General cleaning services are an invaluable resource that helps homeowners restore their home’s air quality.  

How Residential Cleaning and Restoration Services Help Improve Air Quality 

Following a flood or fire, general and residential cleaning services can be invaluable in restoring air quality. Specialized equipment such as carpet cleaners and air purifiers are essential for helping to remove smoke, soot, allergens, dust, and other airborne pollutants from the home that often remain after a disaster. Carpet cleaning services use hot water extraction to restore carpets and fabrics to their original condition, removing dirt and debris not typically reached by vacuuming alone. Air purifiers filter out particles from the air and reduce odors while improving overall air quality in the home. 

In addition to specialized services for carpeting, upholstery, walls, floors, and other surfaces, residential house cleaning may include general cleaning services tasks throughout the home. Professional teams will also ensure proper sanitation practices are followed when dealing with contaminated materials or areas affected by contaminants following a flood or fire event. 

By investing in a professional residential cleaning service and repair and restoration service like SERVPRO, homeowners can maximize their home's air quality following a disaster while creating a safe living environment for themselves and their families. With experienced crews utilizing specialized equipment and techniques, homeowners can rest assured that their homes will be clean and free of any hazards due to poor air quality caused by events like floods or fires. 

What to Expect from Residential House Cleaning Services 

Regarding residential house cleaning services after a flood or fire disaster, understanding the range of services offered by SERVPRO is essential. Our skilled team uses specialized equipment and high-quality products to deep clean carpets, upholstery, and flooring while also taking extra steps to protect the safety of inhabitants. 

These measures help restore homes to their pre-disaster condition, eliminate odors, and improve air quality inside the home. With SERVPRO, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home has been restored properly and quickly so they can move back in with peace of mind about their health and safety. 

Maximizing Your Home’s Air Quality after a Disaster 

In the wake of a flood or fire, homeowners should take advantage of professional residential cleaning services to help restore proper air quality in their homes. You will be able to protect your loved ones' health and resume life as normal with peace of mind knowing that your home's air quality has been fully restored. Call SERVPRO today for services that improve the air quality in your home after a fire or flood.