When your home or business suffers smoke damage, it can be easy to wipe things down and think it’s enough. In truth, not getting professional smoke restoration services can take a toll on the health of those in the building. Below are the biggest reasons to get smoke damage restoration from a professional.

What Are the Risks of Not Getting Smoke Restoration?

1. Eye & Nose Irritation

After a fire, particulates like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and soot become embedded in fabric surfaces like curtains, furniture, and carpets. Not getting proper smoke damage restoration after a fire means these particles are still in place and are released any time they’re disturbed. Small actions like opening the curtains or sitting on your couch can reintroduce them to the air, where they can get in your eyes and be inhaled through your nose. This can cause dry, itchy, watery, or burning eyes and sinuses that can become chronically irritated if the smoke particulates aren’t removed.

2. Respiratory Issue

Fine smoke particulates eventually make their way into your respiratory system. They’ll irritate your lungs and interfere with your ability to absorb oxygen, causing conditions like chronic bronchitis or even emphysema. Some symptoms you need to watch for include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and coughing.

3. Skin Rash

Smoke residue also contains particles like metals and gases, which are gritty against the skin and can contribute to irritation. This can be presented as dry, flaky, red, rashy, and itchy skin. If the cause is exposure to smoke residue, the symptoms won’t be alleviated until contact with the residue stops. Even creams and lotions won’t have long-term benefits until the house or business is professionally cleaned.

4. Nauseating Smells

Fires also leave a lingering odor that can be nauseating. Air fresheners and fabric sprays won’t mask or eradicate the smell, as they do nothing to get rid of the particulates. Even vacuuming fabric surfaces may not remove deep-set particles, allowing the smell to linger until proper odor removal has been performed.

5. Worsened Health

Those with existing heart and respiratory conditions are more prone to suffering symptoms related to smoke damage, such as those with angina or asthma. When chronically exposed to smoke particulates, research has found higher rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death, even in otherwise healthy people.

Do you need smoke restoration services? Rumpke Restoration in Loveland, OH, is locally-owned and -operated, with financing for emergency services. They serve the Greater Cincinnati area, including Loveland, Milford, West Chester, Mason, Amelia, Batavia, Anderson, New Richmond, Northside, Hamilton, Fairfield, Springfield, Dayton, OH; Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Highland, Warren counties; Union, Montgomery, and Symmes Townships; and the Village of Indian Hill. Their certified techs offer comprehensive restoration services, tackling smoke, water, mold, storm damage, and biohazard situations. Learn more about their smoke removal services online, and call (513) 760-5501 to restore your home to a beautiful, healthy condition.