When your home has incurred water damage, it’s not just rotted framing and ruined subflooring that you need to worry about. Moisture that seeps into drywall and insulation can quickly create mold growth and other health hazards. This is why it’s so important to contact a restoration expert as quickly as possible.
Weakened Immune Responses
Water damage that doesn’t get cleaned up and restored in a timely manner will greatly increase your risk of exposure to mold and bacteria, both of which weaken your immune system. Even worse, if you already suffer from immune problems, you may find it harder to fight off infections.
Nasal Congestion and Chronic Sinus Infections
Leaky water heaters, burst pipes, and overflowing toilets often leave behind a lot of moisture. When you walk into the affected spaces, those damp conditions can irritate your nose and sinuses. You may find yourself sneezing a lot or feeling like you can’t breathe out of your nose because it’s so congested. Ongoing exposure to mold and other contaminants can also result in sinus infections.
Aggravated Allergy or Asthma Symptoms
One of the worst things you can do if you have allergies or asthma is spend time in damp, moldy spaces. Those conditions can trigger coughing, wheezing, irritated eyes, and a tight feeling in the chest. If you notice your symptoms improve when you leave the home, this could be a definite sign of an indoor moisture problem. There may be hidden moisture trapped beneath flooring or behind walls that requires the use of professional moisture meters and other specialized equipment to detect, remove, and repair.
Memory Impairment and Concentration Difficulties
When a home has water damage that leads to long-term mold problems, household members may experience brain fog, a term commonly used to describe difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and unclear thinking. If you think you or someone else in the home has brain fog, you should call a doctor and then contact a professional restoration company to address any lingering moisture.
Skin Rashes
The contaminants, including mold, that get left behind from water damage can trigger skin problems for some people. This includes itching, rashes, redness, swelling, and hives. The more time a person spends in the affected areas, the worse the irritation may become. If you have skin sensitivities, you should never handle moldy drywall, carpeting, or insulation without protective gear on, including gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a properly fitted respirator mask.
Since water damage can be so detrimental to your health, it helps to have a trusted local restoration expert. This way, the next time your home experiences a major leak or flooding, you can quickly call for service to help limit damage and reduce your exposure to mold and other contaminants. When you need water damage restoration services in McDonough, GA, contact United Water Restoration Group.