If your home has been damaged by fire, you’re well aware of how devastating it can be – but when is it safe to move back in? Can you move in immediately, and more importantly, can you live in a house with smoke damage? Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Live in a House With Smoke Damage?

You shouldn’t live in a house with smoke damage – it can pose serious dangers to your health. Even worse, there could be other types of damage (such as structural or electrical damage) that you aren’t aware of, which can be risky as well.

The bottom line is that it’s dangerous to live in a house after a fire – even a small one – and you should have an expert evaluate the situation, clean up the smoke particles and sanitize your home before you move back in.

Are Smoke Smells Harmful?

Smoke smells are a form of pollution that you don’t want in your lungs. Even if your home only had a small fire, the smoke smell can permeate other areas of your home – and it’s important for you to know that the smell can come from dangerous particles that could cause you serious harm.

Smoke particles produced during a fire can come from several sources, and many of them are toxic. In fact, some can even be life-threatening. Smoke smells can cause:

Irritation
Respiratory problems
Skin damage

Here’s a closer look at each.

Reason #1 You Shouldn’t Live in a House With Smoke Damage: Irritants in Smoke Smells

Most people’s mucous membranes (including those in the eyes, nose and throat) are irritated by smoke particles. The affected areas might start itching, or your eyes and nose may become watery and drip. If you don’t leave the area immediately, the problems you’re experiencing can become more serious – and harder to fix.

Reason #2 You Shouldn’t Live in a House With Smoke Damage: Respiratory Problems

Staying in a home with smoke damage can result in respiratory problems, and they can be permanent. The more you inhale, the more damage you cause. Some of the chemicals associated with smoke smells can damage organs outside your respiratory tract, too, including your heart.

Reason #3 You Shouldn’t Live in a House With Smoke Damage: Skin Damage

Skin damage is completely possible if you stay in a house with smoke damage. The same irritants that bother your respiratory tract – and the same chemicals that could harm other organs in your body – can all affect your skin. You shouldn’t stay in a home with smoke damage for any length of time without adequate protection, such as a filtering mask and protective clothing.

Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County or Jackson County?

If your home has already been damaged, we can help. Check out our services and call 734-352-9183 for your free disaster remediation quote today. We offer: