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Damp Dangers: Uncovering Health Risks Linked to Water Damage

Ryker Bingham |  Jan 31, 2024

Having worked with numerous homeowners over the past decade, I’ve seen the aftermath of water damage incidents. There are often structural issues leading to the need for intensive repairs. There are also cosmetic changes in the home, such as stains and warped wood. What many people don’t realize, however, is the hidden danger – you might experience adverse health effects after a water infiltration. 

Some of the ways water damage can impact your health include:

  • Respiratory issues
  • Skin irritation
  • Compromised immune system

Let’s take a look at some of these adverse effects and discuss how to prevent these issues after a flooding or water infiltration event.

Respiratory Issues

Mold and bacteria that stick around after a water damage event can cause both upper and lower respiratory issues in those who are susceptible to them. Sometimes the issue is fairly mild – causing hay fever-like symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. When this occurs, you might think you simply have allergies from pollen or even mold spores outside; you may not even realize that mold in the home is to blame.

Upper respiratory issues can become worse leading to a sinus infection. This can cause headaches, lots of mucus, a sore throat, and post-nasal drip leading to a cough. In some cases, a sinus infection becomes bacterial and might require an antibiotic.

Those with asthma or who are prone to bronchitis can suffer from exacerbations of these conditions. You might have a lot of coughing and wheezing. If you do develop bronchitis, this might require antibiotics. Over time, you could suffer from shortness of breath or even chronic respiratory issues.

Skin Irritation

The excess water in the home can lead to a perpetually damp environment that is conducive to not only mold but also various skin issues. Like the respiratory problems described above, skin conditions can affect anyone but are particularly a problem for those who have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.

If you’re allergic to mold or if the dampness just doesn’t agree with you, you might experience itching and redness. Those with eczema or dermatitis might also see flare-ups. The Mayo Clinic lists some of the symptoms of eczema or contact dermatitis as dry skin, a rash, small raised bumps, crusting, and raw skin from scratching. Even though this isn’t considered a serious condition in most people, it can become quite severe in terms of discomfort.

In some cases, these relatively minor conditions could lead to secondary infections. These could be bacterial or fungal and might require either antibiotics or antifungal medications (or both).

Compromised Immune System

A serious side effect from water damage is a compromised immune system. Often, the issue begins with an inflammatory response to mold and bacteria, such as asthma or eczema. Over time, it could result in an inappropriate immune response, according to a study called Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern? by Stephanie Kraft, Lisa Buchenauer, and Tobias Polte.

Those with an immune system that isn’t working as it should might experience an increased susceptibility to infection, chronic health conditions, and an extended recovery time after even mild illnesses. Children, senior citizens, and people who already have health conditions are more likely to develop these types of issues.

What You Can Do to Prevent These Issues

After reading this list of health conditions caused by water damage, you might be wondering what you can do about it. The main culprit here is mold, and a secondary culprit is bacteria. After water infiltration, it’s important to hire a professional team to remove all traces of water, mitigate mold, and properly sanitize surfaces and materials. My team is well-experienced in all of these actions, and we’ve been able to restore many water-damaged homes. 

What we do is inspect the home for all of the water damage that may have occurred; this includes measuring the moisture content behind the drywall, near the baseboards, and in the subflooring. Water can hide in unlikely places, so we are sure to root all of it out. From there, it’s a matter of drying the surfaces and the air, removing unsalvageable materials, and treating mold if we find it.

Conclusion

Having water damage is stressful, and adding health conditions to the mix can make it completely overwhelming. After a water event, be on the lookout for respiratory and skin issues that could eventually lead to more serious chronic illnesses later. Also, be sure to contact my team for a free inspection to create a drying plan. We’ll take care of the water damage, so you can get back to your regular routine and stay healthy.

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