Do you have standing water in your basement? Get rid of it before it proves harmful for you and your family.
Basements are vulnerable to water damage. Hence, it is imperative that you address the problem of standing water as soon as possible. Furthermore, it doesn’t take long for standing water to become contaminated, and contaminated water gives rise to mold that can release airborne spores. These airborne spores are known to travel through the air, which means they’ll soon rise to the upper floors and affect the indoor air quality of your entire home.
Let’s take a deeper look at how standing water in basements can prove dangerous for you and your family:
Harmful Bacteria
Standing water is a breeding ground for the production of harmful bacteria. If it turns airborne, it can cause various infections. If the situation is not addressed quickly, you may continue to get sick for extended periods.
Walls, wooden floorboards, and other organic matter that’s damp serve as food for mold and allow it to spread quickly. If your home lacks a firm foundation sealing, these airborne bugs will pollute all areas of your home in no time.
Mold Growth
It takes no more than 48 hours for standing water to trigger mold growth. The problem with mold is that it can contaminate everything that comes into contact with it, including air. Like other harmful bacteria, mold can pollute the indoor air quality that will rise to other parts of your home, putting you and your family under constant threat.
Different individuals react differently to mold. Health effects can range from minor allergic reactions to serious chronic illnesses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with compromised immune systems and pre-existing health conditions exposed to any type of mold can suffer from health conditions, regardless of the extent of the contamination.
Dust Mites and Other Pests
Standing water in basements can also result in a pest infestation. Among the most common pests linked to flooded basements include dust mites. When they invade the space, you might experience a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. To get rid of these, you may want to invest in an AC unit during overly hot days or keep the humidity levels less than 50% in your home.
Other types of pests attracted by wet basements include mice, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and even snakes. If you don’t feel comfortable with these agents, you’ll want to get rid of standing water as soon as possible.
To avoid the above-discussed dangers, you’ll need to not only eliminate the standing water but also clean and disinfect the floors, walls, and other surfaces in your basement.
Since exposure to contaminated water and the possibility of mold and pests can make self-cleaning dangerous, seek your local water damage restoration service. STOP, which services in Mesa, Tempe, San Tan Valley and Gilbert, AZ, can ensure effective remediation for you.
For emergency moisture cleanup, contact the Service Team of Professionals today.
