Water damage can have devastating consequences for your home and health. Mold, a common byproduct of water damage, can cause significant damage to your property and lead to serious health problems for you and your family.

### How Long Can You Leave Water Damage?

The length of time you can leave water damage unattended depends on several factors, including the severity of the damage, the type of materials affected, and the temperature and humidity of the environment. However, it is generally recommended that you address water damage as soon as possible to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms.

### Long-Term Effects of Mold

Mold can have a wide range of long-term effects on your health, including:

– **Respiratory problems:** Mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
– **Skin irritation:** Mold can cause skin irritation, rashes, and other skin problems.
– **Eye irritation:** Mold can cause eye irritation, redness, and other eye problems.
– **Central nervous system problems:** Mold can cause headaches, fatigue, and other central nervous system problems.

In severe cases, mold can even lead to life-threatening health problems.

### Water Damage Cleanup Tips

If you experience water damage, it is important to take the following steps to clean up the mess and prevent the growth of mold:

– **Remove standing water:** Use a wet/dry vacuum or a mop to remove any standing water from the affected area.
– **Open windows and doors:** Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and help dry out the materials.
– **Use fans:** Use fans to circulate the air and help dry out the materials.
– **Remove affected materials:** If possible, remove any affected materials, such as drywall, carpet, and furniture.
– **Clean and disinfect:** Clean and disinfect all affected surfaces with a bleach solution or a commercial cleaning product.

If you are unable to clean up the water damage yourself, it is important to call a professional water damage cleanup company. These companies have the experience and equipment to clean up water damage quickly and effectively, and they can help you prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms.