There are Potential Health Hazards in Your Damp Basement

You may be putting your family’s health at risk, whether your basement has leaked only once, or you notice puddles anytime after a rain.

This dampness creates a higher than healthy level of humidity in your home.

What thrives in humid environments?

Mould and mildew

According to Health Canada, mould is a serious concern in a home. Depending on exposure, a person’s age and general health, mould can affect your family in a variety of negative ways.

Bacteria

Bacteria develops and thrives in moist environments. An example is Iron Ochre, which is not only unhealthy but also may affect pipes and discharge lines.

Pests

Pests such as mice, spiders and bugs love dark, damp basements. The waste material of pests can be very harmful to a person’s health, resulting in similar symptoms as listed below.

The problems are not limited to the basement!

“The problem is in the basement, and we don’t go down there often, so it won’t affect our family’s health.”

That is simply not true.

The basement environment makes its way throughout the home by what is known as the “stack effect”.

The stack effect refers to the process in which warm air leaves the home through your attic and upper levels. As it does, a vacuum is created below, and new air is pulled upwards from the lower levels. In essence, even if you keep your basement closed off from the rest of your home, that undesirable air is making its way into your living space!

Physical Symptoms

If your home has any of these hidden health hazards in your basement, your family may be experiencing symptoms such as:

-        Eye, nose and throat irritation

-        Coughing and phlegm build-up

-        Wheezing and shortness of breath

-        Symptoms of asthma

-        Allergic reactions

At Advanced Basement Systems, we are the experts in “All Things Basementy” and can help you. Take the first step to a healthy basement and a healthy home. We proudly serve all of southwestern Ontario and invite you to reach out to us for a complimentary inspection and written estimate: 1-866-277-1277 or click here to submit your information to us online.