Whether it’s a reoccurring leak or a flooded basement, water damage is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. If you do not deal with water damage immediately, you or your employees could develop health issues. A small leak could lead to mold which can cause an array of other problems like allergies, chronic migraines, and respiratory issues. Not only is it a health risk, but water damage causes damage to your home or business, leaving you spending more money and jeopardizing the health and safety of others.

When you are dealing with floodwater, for instance, you will want to be extremely careful. There could be health-threatening toxins in the water such as chemical waste, raw sewage, and bacteria. If the water came from a busted pipe, there could be toxins, dirt, and harmful bacteria present as well. Regardless of the health risks, you could decide to take on a flood clean-up by yourself. Exposure to dirty water is a health risk and can cause you to develop diseases in the brain, lungs, or kidneys. And, if your drinking water becomes contaminated, you are then further exposed to various other serious health concerns and bacteria that can cause acute inflammation, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and even jaundice. Wearing appropriate clean-up materials such as goggles, and an N-95 mask is advised.

Floodwater is infamous for causing mold growth. Humidity causes mold, fungus, and mildew to develop and spread easily which means mold could begin growing as soon as 1-3 days after exposure. Even when you clear the affected area of visible water, often the floor, walls, and coverings hold trapped moisture long after the flood. Short-term exposure to mold causes headaches/migraines, allergies, and congestion, but with long-term exposure, or sensitivity to mold, you could experience a fever or develop severe respiratory issues. Some molds produce toxins known as mycotoxins which can cause many health problems including insomnia, anxiety, depression, and lack of concentration.

On top of this, bugs, fungus, and mold are attracted to the type of moisture created by water damage. You may not notice them at first, but they can enter through cracks in windows broken by water damage flooding. Other signs include wet insulation, carpeting, and scratching sounds from inside your walls. These pests seek out areas like this to lay their eggs (which will attract more bugs and vermin). Rodents and bugs carry many different diseases and could cause serious health problems with exposure.

A small, slow leak and a sudden flood can both do extensive damage to your property and present serious health risks if left untreated. In most cases, the safest way to clean up water damage is to call an experienced flood clean-up service like AHI Facility Services to remove the water and affected materials safely and efficiently.

If you have water issues on your property, acting quickly is the best way to limit property damage and protect yourself, your family, and your employees from health issues that will arise from water damage.

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