A fire can do a lot of harm both emotionally and financially. In fact, the damages are often very devastating. It might be tempting to cut costs by doing the restoration yourself, but it is highly discouraged by most specialists. According to WebMD, the formation of chemicals from combustion alone can cause immediate harm when they contact your skin and mucous membranes. In truth, these elements can also upset the normal lining of the respiratory tract which in turn may trigger respiratory distress, swelling and collapse of the airways. Some of the chemicals found in the smoke may include hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine and ammonia. Methods must be taken to ensure you family’s health and safety are secure from exposure and absorption.

Exposure can be Dangerous

Smoke and soot are very dangerous. In fact, exposure can greatly affect your health, especially children and the elderly. Generally, the waste products are either gas, solid or liquid. In addition, today’s buildings are made with an array of harmful materials. Once burned, these substances can be very toxic such as foam, plastic, synthetic fabrics, carpets, flooring, coated wood products and asbestos.

Absorption

During fire restoration the exposure to smoke and soot can transpire through inhalation, the eyes, skin and ingestion. Further, oftentimes one is not aware that they are affected since airborne soot is invisible. Once the soot enters the system, the body can be affected by numerous health concerns like asthma, shortness of breath, respiratory problems, bronchitis, heart attack, stroke, premature death and cancer.

Hiring a Professional

Even once the fire is out, the safety and health risks are still high. Plus, if the fire damage is not addressed properly, the health hazards from the chemicals and soot particles still remain. It is highly inadvisable to attempt the clean up yourself. Fire restoration should always be done by an expert. A professional is highly recommended for numerous reasons:

• They know the signs of overexposure
• They will know what precautions to take
• They are familiar with the chemicals in the air and surface
• They have proper training in how to dispose certain chemicals
• They have the equipment and breathing apparatus for top notch safety

Overall, when it comes to fire restoration, a professional will have the skill, knowledge, equipment and expertise to get the job done right so your family is safe and protected. If you find yourself amidst the unfortunate situation of needing fire restoration, please contact the professionals at Complete Restoration Services.