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Questions on Health Risks of Cleaning Smoke and Fire Damage

If your home or business has been stricken by fire, you'll no doubt be eager to clean up the mess as quickly as the fire marshal allows you to return. However, it's wise to consider what safety precautions you should take before plunging into a potentially toxic environment. Consider the different health hazards you may encounter, and find the answers to basic questions to help you prepare. If your fire damage is extensive, it may be wise employ a professional restoration.

  1. Toxic Materials

    • Some common materials found in homes or businesses, such as plastic, emit toxic fumes when burned. If your home or business was built many years ago, it's even possible that it could contain asbestos insulation, which may now be exposed by the fire damage. Before a cleanup determine if the structure contains toxic materials like asbestos, or if burned materials are emitting irritating fumes. You may need to hire a professional to remove them. If you intend to remove burned materials yourself, wear protective garments or a mask. Determine how long is it advisable to stay in the structure before taking a break.

    Smoke Inhalation

    • Any burned structure will be filled with soot and an overpowering smell of smoke. You will need to vacuum smoke and soot from everything, but doing so will kick up soot particles, which have the potential to irritate or damage your lungs. Questions to ask include: Do I need a special vacuum, and if so, do I need to learn how to use it? How should I protect my lungs, clothes and hair from soot and smoke? Should I wear a special mask? Do I have any illness or lung condition that makes such this cleanup inadvisable?

    Water Hazards

    • If the structure you're cleaning has been doused by water, the water may present some health risks. If enough of it is still present, it's possible you might slip and fall in it. The water might also be laced with household chemicals, firefighting foam or soot and therefore be unsafe to handle without gloves. Waterlogged walls and furniture may have developed mold, which is a health hazard and will also need to be removed. Ask yourself it you need to remove water or mold from the structure. If there's mold here, determine if it is easily accessible or embedded inside the walls. Do you have the skill to remove it yourself? Purchase or rent an special tools required for these tasks, and learn how to use them. Wear any protective clothing necessary for safe cleanup.

    Cleansers

    • Cleansers used to remove the odor of smoke must be used carefully and according to instructions. Some harsh chemicals can be harmful in their own right if not used properly. Research how each cleanser should be used. Read warnings about ventilating the area during use and protect your skin and eyes and wear gloves, goggles or a mask while using it.

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