Fire is dangerous. We all know that. But, did you know that the flames themselves might not be the greatest risk as far as health dangers and property damage? Fire smoke is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio. And while direct exposure to smoke is harmful to your respiratory system, it can also negatively affect your property’s structure, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Smoke from any type of fire is comprised of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and soot. Depending on what’s burning, many other harmful chemicals also enter the air, and are inhaled into your lungs or latch onto walls, furniture, clothing, ductwork, and other areas.
In the end, while smoke damage may seem erratic and random, it’s all in the physics. Understanding this may help take the mystery out of an already stressful situation. If you experience smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe today!