If you are a property owner, residential or commercial, then you are probably not new to odor contamination. You probably are also well aware that not only can odor contamination be extremely offensive to the sense, but more importantly if not addressed in a timely manner, it can pose an active health threat to both humans and animals. So here are 4 questions answered on odor contamination and control that every property owner needs to know.
What are the common sources of Odor Contamination?
While odor causing sources are plenty and they can be unique to a situation or area, the most common sources of odor around a residential property or commercial property include excess moisture, flood damage,fire and smoke, carpeting and upholstery, food storage, impacted or faulty drainage system, and any other surface or area where bacteria can actively flourish. If left untreated indefinitely, each of these sources can build repulsive smells and increase toxicity that is harmful to all forms of life.
What is the most Effective way of Dealing with Odor Contamination?
Cleaning up the source of odor first is not only the most effective way of dealing with odor contamination but it is also the first step in addressing odor removal. Even in the case of flood damage where mold and bacteria cause odor problems, or with fires where the resulting smoke is a primary odor source and health risk, the first step is always to clean up and sanitize the impacted area first. In the case of a fire, smoke can permeate through furniture, walls, ceilings, and carpets among other places. So it is vital that the area is first completely and extensively cleaned before any kind of odor removal steps can be followed.
In the case of bacteria, the source is often organic in nature. So the elimination of odor here requires a very targeted approach. The danger here is that unless the bacteria causing source is not addressed, the issue can come back again. The most common form of treatment in this situation is the use of an oxidizer or enzyme that can break down the organic matter.
When should you call in a Professional?
If you find thatthe odor problem cannot be addressed even after cleaning or if you are unable to locate the source of the odor, and or if the causes of odor contamination are smoke or organic in nature, then a professional is better equipped to handle the situation.
How can Odor Removal Specialists help me?
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified professionals are trained to locate and isolate the source of the odor and then through the use of latest technologies and substances, to quickly eliminate repulsive smells. Even if you have fire and smoke damage or flood damage, these professionals are trained to detect the source of infiltration and in the use of the most idealmaterial and equipment to deal with odor removal. In the case of water damage, drying of material is a crucial step. However in most instances, given the scale and extent of seepage and damage, the work is best carried out by a professional.
