Dangers

Simple water removal is only the beginning of proper restoration. Usually only 10-15 percent of the damage is actually seen. The other 85-90 percent is hidden in the wall or ceiling cavities. If water has migrated into the wall cavities, molds and mildew begin to grow and will affect the integrity of the sheetrock. Wood floors will begin to buckle and cup. Wood that stays wet with a moisture content (MC) of 30 percent or higher will eventually dry rot.
In the short term indoor air quality (IAQ) will be unhealthy. Water borne contaminates and residue can permeate rugs, furniture, floors and walls, creating conditions that can become offensive even toxic if not properly treated. In a report issued by the U.S. Government’s Environmental Protection Agency had this to say about the seriousness of the matter: "Biological contaminates, an important dimension in indoor air quality, can be the principal indoor air problem in some buildings. They can spread infectious diseases, can cause or aggravate allergic response to allergens and can even (in extreme cases) result in death..."
A primary cause of biological contaminant stems from improper drying and disinfecting of water damages structure and goods. Water is a breeding ground for pervasive bio-contamination. Such occurrences as a breached roof membrane, HVAC malfunction, and sprinkler damage, outside ground water, overflowing rivers or sewerage back flow can transform even the most pristine of surroundings into a biological nightmare.