Water Damage: An Overview of Related Health Risks
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Posted On :
Feb-25-2013
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Article Word Count :
437
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Every year, many homeowners have to deal with water damage. Figures released by the American Insurance Association show that property losses attributable to water topped $9.1 billion between the years 2007 and 2009, which represents 23% of all claims filed by homeowners.
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Every year, many homeowners have to deal with water damage. Figures released by the American Insurance Association show that property losses attributable to water topped $9.1 billion between the years 2007 and 2009, which represents 23% of all claims filed by homeowners. In addition, water that floods into homes poses serious health risks to residents. A study carried out by researchers at the Cornell University found that polluted water accounts for 80% of infectious disease transmissions. A few of the health risks associated with water damage include:
Chemicals and Toxins
Leaking water from broken pipes tend to form pools of stagnant water that could potentially accumulate high concentrations of dangerous chemicals such as mercury, lead, PCBs, cadmium, paint thinners, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and arsenic. These chemicals can easily contaminate underground water sources. Worse still, unless one uses specialized equipment to carry out tests, it is not always easy to detect the aforementioned chemical pollutants.
Breeding Ground for Microorganisms
Besides the above-mentioned risk, stagnant water is also a good breeding ground for microorganisms including pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, intestinal worms, and fungi. Another dangerous microorganism that thrives in damp conditions is mold. The American Lung Association reckons that mold is likely to put the health of people with lung disease at risk. In addition, some toxic types of algae thrive in water where nitrates and phosphates are present. This is according to the Environmental Pollution Centers. Susceptible individuals such as asthma sufferers might experience allergic reactions when exposed to these microorganisms.
Stress
Dealing with water damage at home can be quite a challenge because it normally involves dealing with many aspects such as cleaning up the mess, loss of personal items and mementos, as well as the cost of restoring the property to pristine condition. Even if one has homeowners insurance, it normally takes time to file and successfully process a claim. In most cases, one has to look for temporary accommodation as well as purchase new personal effects. For the elderly or single parents with young kids, the whole exercise is likely to be quite stressful.
Water damage can overwhelm even the most resolute homeowner. The high humidity conditions present after a water damage incident provide the perfect environment for the growth of mold, which poses health risks to people suffering from asthma and lung disease as well. Chemicals and toxins present in standing water such as dioxins, arsenic, mercury, and lead can seep into and contaminate underground water sources. In case of water damage at home, dispose damaged materials and clean the house thoroughly.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Water Damage: An Overview of Related Health Risks_252720.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author has an immense knowledge on Floodmasters LLC. Know more about Water Damage Repair, Water Damage related info in his website.
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Keywords :
Water Damage, Floodmasters LLC, Water Damage Repair,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home Improvement
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