Water Damage Restoration: Health Hazards Connected To Wet Carpet

You may be wondering, “how can my water-damaged carpet cause health problems for me?” This isn’t something that people typically think about when it comes to water damage and carpet. The answer, however, is quite simple and can be summed up in a single word – mold. 

Mold is a pervasive problem in homes that have endured water damage events. One area where mold is known to flourish if it isn’t cleaned up quickly is the carpet. So, to help you avoid suffering from any unnecessary health problems after a flood it’s important to know what these problems look like. From our water damage restoration experts at Faithful Cleaning in Billings, MT, here are three of the health problems commonly caused by moldy carpets. 

Allergic Reactions

Among the most common symptoms of mold exposure are allergic reactions to the mold spores. Biologically, these reactions occur when the body’s histamine response to the spores causes inflammation. In turn, this leads to a host of symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, water and itchy eyes, sore throat, and skin irritation. Not everyone is very sensitive to mold so it’s difficult to tell who will be severely affected by mold spores and who won’t until they have already been exposed. Even after exposure, it can still be hard to tell since there are so many different types of mold and people may be allergic to some of these but not others. 

Respiratory Complications

Individuals with severe respiratory conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis may be more susceptible to health difficulties stemming from mold exposure. The inhalation of mildew and mold spores can cause bronchial contractions in the lungs. This can then advance to shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or even a severe asthma attack. Asthmatics have an even greater risk; with lungs already damaged by their chronic condition, they are more likely to develop a fungal infection from the carpet water damage mold growth. A serious fungal mass called aspergilloma can penetrate the ears, sinuses, and lungs, causing permanent deterioration of the airways and lungs

Skin Irritation

Inhalation is the only way that mold can cause health problems. Mold is stirred up to circulate around the air when the carpet is walked and mere contact with the mold is enough to irritate the skin. Commonly, the irritation presents itself as rashes, eczema, and hives. All of which can cause uncomfortable swelling and itching. In some cases, fingernails and toenails can even become infected through mold exposure. 

Water Damage Restoration In Billings Mt

If you aren’t careful, mold will begin to flourish in your water-damaged carpet after a flood. You need water damage restoration ASAP. Don’t take the risk of going through any health problems from mold exposure after a flood. Give the water damage restoration experts a call at Faithful Cleaning in Billings, MT as soon as you can if your home ever floods and we will be right out to help you repair the damage and get your life back to normal.