Smoke Damage to Property
Smoke damage to property depends on how long soot and damage are left unaddressed. Just minutes of exposure to smoke result in discoloring of plastic and porous materials.
If water is used to extinguish the fire, the level of humidity rises dramatically and the wood opens its pores and absorbs a great amount of smoke and residue. The next victims to smoke are clothing, upholstery, and vinyl flooring that get permanent stains and metals that begin to corrode and rust.
In weeks after the fire, smoke damage consequences become irreversible for many other materials triggering great restoration and replacement expenses.
Smoke Damage to Health
Fire burns not only wood but also plastics, leather and other materials containing a variety of chemicals that abound in modern homes and offices. This makes the air really toxic and dangerous to breathe.
If you want to bring some items out of the affected premises, it is better to delegate the task to fire and smoke restoration company. If you are still determined to enter the premises before the restoration experts arrive, be sure to wear a mask and nitrile gloves and ventilate the house if this is possible.
Remember that accidental inhaling or injection of smoke particles causes both short-term and long-term health problems. Thus, in case of smoke damage, keep your family away from the burnt house to prevent any exposure to smoke until the air quality returns to the norm.
