When you hear the word water damage, you immediately think about the house and structural damage, such as sagging floors, water-spotted ceilings, or ruined belongings. Can water damage make you sick? Along with harming your belongings, standing water provides the perfect environment for harmful microorganisms to multiply, infecting indoor air and greatly impairing health. In this article, we’ll explore how water damage can affect your health, the dangers of mold, how to prevent these issues, and why hiring a water damage restoration service in Vancouver, North Vancouver, or West Vancouver is important to protect your well-being and your home.
What Causes Water Damage and Why It Matters
Can water damage make you sick? To understand how water damage inside a house will make you ill, it is critical to understand where it comes from. Water damage comes from some sources:
- Leakage of the roof or windows
- Damaged pipes or faulty plumbing
- Flooding due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt
- Overfilling bathtubs or washing machines
- Poor ventilation in wet areas
These damages are categorized based on the water source:
- Clean water: from rain or pipes, which is the least dangerous
- Greywater: slightly dirty from sinks or appliances
- Blackwater: very dirty from sewage or floodwaters
While the damage to flooring and furniture can be observed, the hidden dangers are typically more disturbing. Wet areas become a haven for mold, dust mites, and bacteria, all of which will make you ill sooner or later.
How Water Damage Leads to Health Problems
One leak can lead to terrible consequences if you do not deal with it immediately. Within 24–48 hours after water exposure, mold starts to grow. Can water damage make you sick? Mold spores travel airborne, get into your lungs, and create a range of health issues. Also, moisture increases the levels of indoor pollutants. Damp building materials like drywall, insulation, or carpeting can harbor bacteria and other pathogens. Prolonged exposure to this unsavory indoor air environment can lead to what’s popularly known as sick building syndrome.
Health Risks Associated with Mold and Water Damage
The most widespread and dangerous side effect of water damage is the growth of mold. Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp environments and spreads rapidly in enclosed spaces.
Typical health consequences of exposure to mold include:
- Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Chronic nasal congestion and sinusitis
- Sneezing, runny nose, and rashes
- Headaches and lethargy
- Irritated throat and long-term allergic response.
- Asthmatics, individuals with allergies, and the immunocompromised are extremely harmed by mold spore exposure. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to harm from it.
- In extreme cases, long exposure to mold has been responsible for causing lung infections, neurological diseases, and breathing disorders.
Preventing Health Problems Caused by Water Damage
We answered the question, can water damage in the house make you sick. Remember that prevention begins with timely action. Once water damage has been inflicted, time is not on your side. Here are the things you can do to prevent health risks:
1. Dry the Area Immediately
- You can use fans, open windows, and use dehumidifiers.
- Rip up rugs, carpets, and upholstery that are unable to dry fast.
- Pay attention to cleaning hard surfaces by using mold-killing cleaners.
2. Check and Monitor Regularly
- Check for leaks under sinks, around appliances, and in the attic or basement.
- Install leak detectors in susceptible areas.
- Look for moisture signs, moldy odors, discoloration, or softness.
3. Enhance Indoor Ventilation
- Make sure your home is well-ventilated.
- Utilize exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Don’t over-humidify rooms in winter.
4. Employ Mold-Resistant Materials
- Wherever possible, in basements and bathrooms, use mold-resistant drywall or insulation during renovation.
- Don’t carpet areas that are prone to moisture.
5. Call Professionals for Large-Scale Cleaning
Trying to dry out large amounts of water damage yourself can do more harm. Mold hides behind walls, under floors, or in vents. So, only a professional can work with this safely.
Why Professional Restoration Services Matter
After understanding that water damage can make you sick, remember that no matter how handy you are in the house, DIY cleaning is not always safe or sure. Mold hides in places you’d never even consider looking, and without the right equipment, drying agents, and antimicrobial solutions, the problem returns. Hiring a certified water damage restoration firm involves:
- Prompt response to prevent mold growth
- Safe removal of contaminated materials
- High grade drying and dehumidification
- Complete disinfection and air cleaning
- Complete restoration of damaged areas
Experts also understand the health risks involved and use personal protective equipment (PPE) while cleaning to protect themselves and you.
Hiring Water Damage Restoration Services in Vancouver and Surrounding Communities
If you live in Vancouver, North Vancouver, or West Vancouver, you’re located in an area with rain, storms, and ocean moisture. They are all factors that contribute to a higher likelihood of water based issues in homes and businesses. Regional restoration services in these locations have experience with the local climate and structural weaknesses common to the area. They’re ready to deal with everything from small leaks to large floods. This is what you can expect when you hire a restoration company in Vancouver:
- Assessment: Establishing the origin and degree of damage
- Water Extraction: Removing standing water immediately
- Drying and Dehumidification: Employing professional equipment to extract moisture
- Mold Remediation: Locating and removing mold colonies safely
- Sanitization: Cleaning infected surfaces to prevent bacteria and odor
- Restoration: Restoring walls, floors, and fixtures to pre-damage condition
For reliable and thorough water damage restoration in West Vancouver, trust Revive Restoration’s certified professionals to safeguard your home and health.
Conclusion
Can water damage make you sick? Yes. What begins as a minor leak or flood can be a serious health problem if you leave it without checking. Mold, bacteria, and moisture-borne contaminants will cause a range of physical symptoms and chronic illnesses, especially in people who have health problems. Don’t wait for mold to spread or your symptoms to worsen. If you’re experiencing water damage in your home, act fast. Improve airflow, dry out wet materials, and most importantly, call restoration companies and experts.
Water Damage Restoration with Revive Restoration Company
Quick, professional, and dependable water damage restoration in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver is yours when you use Revive Restoration company services. With years of experience in handling residential and commercial water damage, Revive’s team of professionals combines the latest technology with compassionate customer service. From minor leaks and mold growth to full-blown flooding, Revive Restoration offers emergency assistance, including inspections, mold remediation, and full restoration. For trusted water damage restoration in North Vancouver, call us now to reserve our services.
