The Risks And Hazards Of Fire Damage

By Author: Leo Nov
Total Articles: 883
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Fire is a destructive force that can often be prevented. Fire damage presents both health and structural hazards.

Health Hazards

The two main health hazards are burns and respiratory irritations

Burns

Burns are classified by the severity of the injury, in particular, how deep the injury is. Classification ranges from First degree burns: The sunburn-like burned area will be red, and sore to the touch, but there is no blister formation through Second degree burns: The skin will look red, have blisters which may be intact or broken and it will be painful to the touch to Third degree burns: Involve all the layers of the skin and may extend into deeper tissues as well. The burned area may appear blackened, white, mahogany or tan.

Respiratory irritations

Respiratory irritations are usually a side effect of smoke damage. When wood, household garbage, plastic, or leaves are burned, they produce smoke and release toxic gases. The smoke contains vapors and solid particles suspended in the air and when exposed to fire related air pollutants, you may experience eye and nose irritation along ...
... with breathing difficulty, coughing, and headaches. People with heart disease, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to these air pollutants. Smoke damage cleanup, if done professionally, is 100% guaranteed to eliminate all smoke odors and fire residue using air scrubbers and ozone generators .

Structural Damage

Structural damage may be as minor as just soot, ash, and smoke damage and as overwhelming as a total loss that requires demolition and reconstruction. The range in between is large and partial fire damage can end with scorch marks on walls, cabinets, ceiling, and flooring material.

Depending on the extent of the damage, fire can also damage personal items of value such as jewelry, documents, cloths, etc.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about fire damage and