Hoarding, though it is often a result of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it is by no means any less emotionally and physically crippling. There are a lot of problems that come with hoarding that range from family issues, financial problems, but it is health risks that we are focusing on in this blog.
The health risks of hoarding are varied and will be worsened if hoarding animals is involved.
Quality of Air
Hoarders’ homes can have serious problems with air quality that come from dust, decaying waste causing the release of ammonia and a range of different odours. The combination of all of this can lead to a serious decline in the air quality of a hoarder’s home. This can make it extremely hard to breathe in a hoarder’s home, especially if you suffer from a respiratory disease such as asthma. The poor air quality in a hoarder’s home can also cause respiratory problems to develop if you are exposed to them for an extended period. For hoarders that live in these conditions, the air quality can have a serious negative on their health.
It is very dangerous to clear a hoarder’s home without proper respiratory protection due to the danger that the air quality provides.
Fungus, Mildew and Mould
Not only can fungus, mildew and mould develop in areas of the house and in the walls, but it can also develop on food that hoarders cannot throw away, this can cause health risks. It may seem strange to those who aren’t hoarders to think that rotting or spoiled food would not be automatically thrown out, but for hoarders, it can be extremely difficult to throw away any food, even half-eaten food. Not only can this cause the house to stink, but it can be a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and attract vermin.
Sanitation Issues
Because it is almost impossible to properly clean a hoarder’s home, sanitation issues are a serious concern. Sanitation issues are also made worse if a hoarder is hoarding animals. A large number of animals living together in a confined space causes disease to spread quickly, especially if animal waste is left to fester without being cleaned up. The food of both humans and pets can become quickly contaminated by animal waste. Dead animals that are left to rot in a hoarder’s house can also make the sanitation problem worse.
Pest Infestations
Rodents and insects are the most common pest problems that you’ll encounter in a hoarder’s house. They are attracted to animal waste, rotting food and places with poor sanitation. Infestations of any pests only serve to worsen sanitation conditions.
Structural Concerns
Finally, structural concerns are a very real safety concern in hoarder’s homes. It becomes very difficult for the building to be maintained. Damage to the foundations, flooring, walls as well as gas, water and electrical systems can make living in a hoarder’s house a bit of a death trap. Not only this but the amount of items in a hoarder’s home that are combustible make it much easier for any fire that might occur to spread quickly. Escape routes around the building can also be blocked. It also makes it easier for any thieves that break-in to hide and surprise a hoarder in their home.
For help with clearing a hoarder’s home, contact us today, to see the range of services and professional services we offer to help clear a hoarder’s home safely and competently.