Marilyn is the adult daughter of a mother who was nearing the age of 90 when she died after a rather short illness. Once the funeral and burial were concluded, Marilyn turned to focusing her attention on cleaning her mother’s home, ultimately to prepare the property to be put on the market for sale.
While overall the residence was in a truly untidy situation, there was a bedroom that was in a particularly dreadful and even unsanitary state. Ultimately, Marilyn concluded that addressing the cleanup requirements (and challenges) of the bedroom in question were beyond what she could address on her own, even with the assistance of other family members or friends. As a result, Marilyn sought out the assistance and professional resources of a reputable biohazard remediation professional and water damage cleanup specialist.
State of Affairs in the Bedroom in a Disastrous State
In the case of a bedroom in Marilyn’s mother’s home, a waterbed had popped sometime before Marilyn discovered what had happened. What was left of the waterbed itself was stacked high with a wide variety of different types of items. The room itself had a foul odor as result of the waterbed breakage In addition, a considerable number of insects were evident throughout that particular bedroom.
Hazards Associated With Aftermath of a Popped Waterbed
One of the most serious risks associated with waterbeds is the possibility that they will pop or leak, causing water damage and exposing residents to a number of health risks. In the case of Marilyn and her mother, and as we explained, this dreadful possibility occurred. There are a number of primary health hazards associated with a situation in which a waterbed pops as happened in this case:
- Mold and mildew
- Bacteria
- Electrical
- Slip and fall
- Stumble and fall
- Structural damage
- Emotional toll
In this article, we discuss each of these potential health hazards that can arise after a break or popping of a waterbed.
Mold and Mildew
Standing water from a popped waterbed can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. These fungi can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and infections. Mold and mildew can be especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. If you suspect that mold or mildew is present in your home, it is important to address the issue immediately to avoid long-term health problems. Potential health problems associated with mold and mildew stemming from a popped waterbed include:
- Respiratory problems: Exposure to mold and mildew can lead to respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- Allergic reactions: Mold and mildew spores can cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and skin irritation.
- Headaches: Exposure to mold and mildew can cause headaches, especially in people who are sensitive to these substances.
- Fatigue: Exposure to mold and mildew can also cause fatigue, as the body works to fight off the effects of these substances.
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat: Prolonged exposure to mold and mildew can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, which can be uncomfortable and even painful.
- Dizziness: In severe cases, exposure to mold and mildew can cause dizziness, especially if the individual is already prone to this symptom.
- Cognitive problems: In rare cases, exposure to mold and mildew can lead to cognitive problems, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.
Bacteria
Bacteria can also thrive in the stagnant water left behind by a popped waterbed. This can lead to infections and other health problems, particularly if the water is not properly cleaned up. Examples of health hazards from bacteria associated with a popped waterbed include:
- Water from a popped waterbed can contain a wide range of bacteria, including E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Legionella. These bacteria can cause a range of health issues, including skin rashes, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems. In severe cases, these bacteria can even lead to life-threatening illnesses such as Legionnaires’ disease.
- One of the main reasons why bacteria can grow and multiply quickly in standing water, such as that found in a popped waterbed, is due to the lack of circulation. The water in a waterbed is often not refreshed or circulated, which means that bacteria can thrive in this stagnant environment.
- Exposure to bacteria in water from a popped waterbed can cause a range of symptoms. Skin rashes are a common symptom of exposure to bacteria in waterbeds. Other symptoms include respiratory issues, such as coughing and shortness of breath, as well as gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
- Bacteria can be introduced to water inside a waterbed through poor maintenance, such as failing to properly clean and disinfect the bed. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your waterbed. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting the mattress and replacing the water on a regular basis.
- Drinking water from a popped waterbed can be particularly dangerous, as it can introduce harmful bacteria directly into the body. It’s important to avoid drinking water from a waterbed, even if you are thirsty and don’t have access to other sources of drinking water.
- Bacteria can also colonize the inside of a waterbed mattress, leading to ongoing contamination even after the water has been replaced. This is why it’s important to regularly clean and disinfect your waterbed mattress, even if you have replaced the water.
- To minimize the risk of bacterial contamination in waterbeds, it’s important to take proactive steps to keep your waterbed clean and well-maintained. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting the mattress, replacing the water on a regular basis, and avoiding drinking water from your waterbed. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from the harmful effects of bacteria that can be contained in water from a popped waterbed.
Electrical Hazards
Water is a good conductor of electricity, which means that a popped waterbed can create electrical hazards in your home. If the water comes into contact with electrical outlets or appliances, it can cause shocks or even fires. This can be especially dangerous if you have children or pets in the home. To avoid these risks, it is important to turn off the electricity to the affected area and call a professional to assess the situation.
Slip and Fall Hazards
A popped waterbed can create a slippery surface that is dangerous to walk on. If you or a family member slips and falls on the wet surface, it can result in serious injuries. This can be especially dangerous for older adults who may have difficulty with balance and mobility. To prevent slip and fall accidents, it is important to dry the area thoroughly and take steps to prevent future water damage.
Some of the most commonplace injuries that can follow a slip and fall accident associated with the aftermath of a popped waterbed include:
- Fractures: Slip and fall accidents can result in fractures, which occur when bones are broken or cracked. Fractures can be very painful and can require surgery to repair.
- Sprains and Strains: Another common injury resulting from a slip and fall is a sprain or strain. These injuries occur when ligaments or muscles are stretched or torn. Sprains and strains can cause swelling, pain, and limited mobility.
- Head Injuries: Slip and fall accidents can also result in head injuries, which can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Slip and fall accidents can also cause back and spinal cord injuries, which can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even paralysis.
- Cuts and Bruises: Slip and fall accidents can also cause cuts and bruises. While these injuries are generally less serious than the others on this list, they can still be painful and may require medical attention.
- Dislocations: Slip and fall accidents can also cause dislocations, which occur when the bones in a joint are forced out of position. Dislocations can be very painful and can require medical treatment to correct.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Finally, slip and fall accidents can also result in soft tissue injuries, which occur when the body’s soft tissues (including muscles, tendons, and ligaments) are damaged. Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Structural Damage
In addition to health hazards, a popped waterbed can also cause structural damage to your home. Water can seep into walls and floors, causing dam age to the building materials and potentially leading to mold growth. This can be especially costly to repair and can pose a serious safety risk if the damage is not addressed promptly.
Emotional Toll
Dealing with a popped waterbed can also take an emotional toll on you and your family. The stress of dealing with water damage, mold, and other health hazards can be overwhelming, especially if you are also dealing with other issues in your life. It can also be difficult to find a place to sleep while your home is being repaired. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and helplessness.
Benefits of Hiring a Water Damage Remediation Professional
Ultimately, Marilyn engaged the services of a water damage remediation company, Eco Bear. There are a number of important benefits that are realized by hiring a professional water damage remediation professional. These benefits include:
- Fast Response Time: Professional water damage remediation services are available 24/7 and can respond quickly to prevent further damage. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage, and professional remediation services will arrive on-site as soon as possible to assess the damage and develop a plan of action.
- Expertise and Experience: Professional water damage remediation services have the expertise and experience necessary to assess the damage, develop a remediation plan, and complete the necessary repairs. They understand the complexities of water damage and have the knowledge and skills to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
- Advanced Equipment: Professional water damage remediation services use advanced equipment to remove water, dry out the affected area, and prevent mold growth. They have specialized tools and equipment that are designed to handle water damage, making the restoration process faster and more efficient.
- Comprehensive Services: Professional water damage remediation services offer a range of services, including water extraction, drying, dehumidification, and mold remediation. They will assess the damage and create a customized plan that addresses all of the issues caused by the water damage.
- Insurance Assistance: Professional water damage remediation services can help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. They have experience working with insurance companies and can provide the necessary documentation to support your claim.
- Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional water damage remediation service can give you peace of mind knowing that the damage will be properly and thoroughly remediated. You can trust that they will handle the restoration process from start to finish, leaving you free to focus on other priorities.
- Health and Safety: Water damage can pose health and safety risks, such as mold growth and electrical hazards. Professional water damage remediation services can ensure that these risks are properly addressed and eliminated. They will take the necessary precautions to protect your health and safety throughout the restoration process.