A residential fire can be a harrowing experience for anyone. It can also take a toll on your finances as well. That’s why some homeowners opt to do fire damage repair and cleanup on their own instead of hiring restoration specialists. Doing so, however, is not worth the risks to your health. Here are some of the health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to soot and smoke damage.  

Potential Health Problems From Smoke Damage Exposure

1. Respiratory Illnesses

Smoke released by fires contains particulate matter or soot, and toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide because of incomplete burning. Its severity depends on what burned, how much oxygen there was, and temperature levels. But even if smoke is no longer present in your home, its soot remains on porous materials like walls, floors, furniture, carpet, and other areas. Even with a dust mask on, soot particles can still be inhaled, causing shortness of breath, bronchitis, and coughing. It can also trigger asthma attacks.

2. Eye Irritation

Smoke damage can also irritate the eyes because of minute soot particulates. This results in dryness, redness, and itchiness, which can be uncomfortable over time. If left unaddressed by a medical professional, this can eventually damage your vision.

3. Skin Irritation

Airborne contaminants can penetrate the skin, resulting in severe irritation and dryness over time. Beware of dismissing these skin problems as something that can be resolved with regular skin care products—you may need a formulated or medical salve to ease the discomfort. Wearing clothes previously exposed to smoke damage can also irritate the skin. Because of the health hazards from soot exposure, fire damage repair specialists are equipped with industry-approved safety gear.    

4. Long-Term Effects

Apart from the immediate effects of exposure to soot, it can also have a long-term impact on people with compromised immune systems, severe heart conditions, and existing respiratory problems. Inhaling soot can worsen a person's medical condition, possibly resulting in lung and cardiovascular diseases. So if you’re among those with heightened risk for these illnesses, leave the fire damage repair and cleanup to the experts.

In the aftermath of a fire on your property, trust the professionals at All Care Restorations to handle the cleanup. As a fully licensed restoration company in Lincoln, NE, they provide meticulous fire damage repair and cleaning services to homes razed by fires. They also offer water and smoke damage restoration. Call (402) 421-3779 to schedule an appointment or inquire via their website.