The Hidden Health Risks of Water Damage: What Chicago Homeowners Should Know Before It’s Too Late

Most people worry about water damage because of the cost—but in my experience, the real danger often has nothing to do with your wallet. It’s what you can’t see that puts your family’s health at risk.

I’ve spent over 40 years restoring homes in Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County. And what I’ve seen behind walls, under floors, and in ductwork after a water loss is enough to make you think twice about ignoring even a small leak.

Let’s talk about the hidden health risks of water damage—and why quick, professional action is critical to keeping your home and family safe.

The Mold Myth: It Doesn’t Take Days—It Takes Hours

I can’t count the number of times a customer has said, “It was just a small leak—we didn’t think mold could grow that fast.” But under Chicago’s humid conditions, mold spores can start growing within 24–48 hours.

In places like Wilmette, Glenview, or Humboldt Park, older homes with limited airflow are especially prone. Mold doesn’t need visible standing water. All it needs is moisture and warmth—which is why it loves:

• Wet drywall and wood framing
• Carpeting and underlayment
• Behind baseboards
• Inside HVAC systems

And once it’s airborne, you’re breathing it.

Mold Spores, Mycotoxins & Respiratory Problems

Here’s what most people don’t realize: mold isn’t just a musty smell. It can release mycotoxins—harmful compounds that affect breathing and immune function.

Over the years, I’ve had clients in Highland Park, Evanston, and West Town tell me about sudden allergy symptoms or asthma flare-ups after a water incident. In nearly every case, mold was quietly growing behind the walls.

At-risk groups include:

• Children
• Seniors
• People with asthma or autoimmune conditions
• Chemotherapy patients

In fact, we’ve worked with families whose children were hospitalized after living in a home with hidden mold from an old roof leak.

Bacteria from Gray and Black Water

Not all water damage is clean. In restoration, we classify water into three categories:

• Category 1: Clean water from broken pipes or appliances
• Category 2: Gray water (dishwashers, washing machines, rainwater runoff)
• Category 3: Black water (sewage, floodwater)

If your home in Lincolnwood, Rogers Park, or Skokie experiences a sewer backup or storm drain overflow, you're likely dealing with Category 3 contamination. That means:

• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Hepatitis A

Even after the water is gone, dangerous pathogens can linger in porous surfaces like wood subfloors and carpet padding.

Hidden Moisture = Hidden Danger

We’ve walked into jobs where everything looked dry—but the moisture meter told a different story. Behind the scenes, wood framing, insulation, or subfloors were still wet and growing bacteria.

If you live in a historic home in Oak Park, Lake Forest, or Northfield, you should know: older construction hides moisture well—and drywall, plaster, or wood lath can hold it for days or weeks if not properly dried.

That’s why we use:

• Commercial-grade dehumidifiers
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Moisture mapping

Because surface drying isn’t enough. Mold doesn’t care what it looks like—it only cares what it feels like.

Don’t Trust a Musty Smell—Trust a Certified Expert

A musty odor is a warning sign. So is visible bubbling paint, soft spots underfoot, or discolored corners of your ceiling.

But the absence of these doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. We’ve remediated homes in Kenilworth Gardens, Swainwood (Glenview), and East Wilmette where no signs were visible—until we opened the walls.

As an IICRC Master Water Restorer, I can tell you firsthand: if you had a water incident and didn’t professionally dry it out, you're rolling the dice with your health.

Protect Your Home—and Your Health

Here’s what I recommend to all homeowners in Chicago, Lake Bluff, and Naperville:

• Treat every water intrusion seriously
• Hire certified restoration professionals immediately
• Never assume a DIY fan or towel-dry is enough
• Document the damage and drying process for peace of mind

And if you’ve already had a leak—no matter how small—get it checked before the symptoms start.

Final Thoughts

As someone who’s restored thousands of homes across Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, I’ve seen the toll water damage can take. Not just on property—but on people.

You don’t need to panic, but you do need to act. Fast.

Need help assessing a possible issue? Reach out. Whether you live in North Center, Glencoe, Logan Square, or Downers Grove, we’re here to help.

About the Author

Sam Simon is the owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County. With over 40 years of experience and credentials including IICRC Master Water Restorer, Sam is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset. His company is an IICRC Certified Firm and proud member of the Restoration Industry Association.

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