The Lingering Danger of Smoke

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Let’s start off with what smoke damage is. Smoke damage is the damage caused by smoke that’s generated by fire but not caused by the fire itself. Smoke damage does destroy items but instead covers them in soot and odors. Smoke damage is complex and is difficult to remove, it can reach other rooms that were otherwise unaffected by the fire, traveling through ducts, pipes and other crevices. While smoke damage doesn’t destroy items like fire, it is still incredibly dangerous to your health. 

 Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of deaths related to fire. The chemical makeup of smoke is determinate of what items were burned, different toxins and heavy metals, along with tar and carbon. Lungs and sinuses can be irritated, making breathing hard, residual smoke and soot in clothing and furnishings can cause skin inflammations that can’t be treated with over-the-counter lotions and ointments. Even if you cannot see smoke damage it is still extremely important to have a fire restoration company come in and thoroughly clean the entire property.  

Many think that fire is the most imminent danger to your health, but lingering smoke and soot can cause severe health effects. Smoke can get trapped in porous materials, from carpets, to furniture. Always call the trusted fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO to help restore your home to a safe environment for you and your family.