It’s easy to assume that when any water dries away on its own, all the problems brought on by that water inundation will also evaporate. However, untreated water damage can put the health of you and your loved ones at great risk. Learning more about the different kinds of health risks associated with untreated water damage will hopefully emphasize the urgency with which water damage needs to be restored. Keep reading to get an in-depth understanding of four of the most notable untreated water damage health risks.
4 Untreated Water Damage Health Risks
These four health risks will only come about if you leave water damage in your home untreated. As you learn about each potential outcome of failing to restore water damage, you’ll also gain insight into what you can do to mitigate these issues.
1. Mold and Mildew
After facing considerable water damage, does your home seem to have been developing a rather strange odor? Have you been experiencing shortness of breath? Do you or your loved ones feel like you’re suddenly experiencing constant allergic reactions, nausea, and dizziness? If you find yourself saying “yes” to any of these questions, there’s a good chance that mold and/or mildew have taken over your home.
This water damage health risk can arise if you fail to address said damage within 1-2 days of it being inflicted. Otherwise, letting it grow can trigger a range of health issues, from allergies to pulmonary disease. Taking care of water damage within the first 48 hours is essential to preventing mold and mildew.
2. Structural Deterioration
While structural deterioration may not seem like a health risk in the traditional sense, it can definitely lead to situations where your physical well-being is in peril. Rotting wood can make moving around your home or using certain appliances unsafe. Bacterial contamination can also occur and cause damage to your property and your health. Drying any water damage as soon as possible will reduce the possibility of your home turning into a safety hazard.
3. Water Supply Contamination
Speaking of bacterial contamination, this particular untreated water damage health risk can also impact your home’s water supply. There are three categories of water contamination: clean water (Category 1), grey water (Category 2), and black water (Category 3). Grey and black water are the categories to be on the lookout for.
While grey water refers to drinking water that has interacted with water used for appliances such as dishwashers, and washing machines, black water is contaminated by sewage, including animal and human waste. Consuming water from the latter category can lead to severe diseases like dysentery. The sooner you can have a water damage restoration look at your home, the sooner you can get back to drinking potable water. This is probably one of the more dangerous untreated water damage health risks you could face.
4. Electrical Safety Hazards
Coming into contact with an electrical power source in standing water can lead to electrocution and possibly death. According to the CDC, the best way to avoid these electrical safety hazards is to find a way to turn off your home’s power, including natural gas and electricity, and avoid all contact with fallen power lines. Leaving this problem unattended will only increase the chances of you or a loved one getting seriously injured or killed by a water-damaged power line. This is another one of the more potentially fatal water damage health risks.
Reach Out To Us For The Best Water Damage Restoration Services In Houston!
Now that you know about four untreated water damage health risks, you’ll hopefully be extra vigilant about reaching out to a restoration service. Since hurricane season in Houston can be unpredictable, you want the best restoration experts to take care of your home after a disaster. Contact us at ASAP Restoration for Houston’s best water damage restoration services.
