Water damage can be a significant issue, leading to mold growth and various health concerns. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments, and it can cause a range of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. Water damage cleanup is essential to prevent these problems, and it is important to address mold growth as soon as possible. ### Long-Term Effects of Mold Mold can cause a variety of long-term health effects if left untreated. These effects may include: * **Allergies:** Mold spores can trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to them. Symptoms of mold allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. * **Asthma:** Mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Symptoms of asthma attacks can include wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. * **Respiratory infections:** Mold can cause respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Symptoms of respiratory infections can include coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. * **Other health problems:** Mold exposure has also been linked to other health problems, such as skin infections, eye infections, and neurological problems. ### Does Water Damage Smell Go Away? The smell of water damage can be a nuisance, and it can also be a sign of mold growth. In some cases, the smell of water damage will go away on its own as the water dries out. However, if the smell of water damage persists, it is likely that mold is present. Mold growth can be dangerous to health, so it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. ### Water Damage Cleanup If you experience water damage, it is important to take steps to clean up the damage and prevent mold growth. Water damage cleanup should be performed by a professional water damage cleanup company. These companies have the experience and equipment necessary to properly clean up water damage and prevent mold growth. Water damage cleanup typically involves the following steps: * **Water removal:** The first step in water damage cleanup is to remove the water from the affected area. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as pumps, vacuums, and fans. * **Cleaning and disinfecting:** Once the water has been removed, the affected area should be cleaned and disinfected. This will help to remove any remaining water and prevent mold growth. * **Drying:** The final step in water damage cleanup is to dry the affected area. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as fans, dehumidifiers, and heat.