Did you know that basement mold can pollute the indoor air quality of your home?
Any dark space with high moisture content and poor ventilation is the perfect setting for mold growth. That probably makes you think of an unfinished or poorly finished basement. Any clutter of wood, gypsum board, paper, or fiberboard only makes things worse because these are the items mold feeds on for growth.
If mold does exist in your basement and you keep neglecting it, it will keep spreading in the space. When that happens, airborne mold spores will rise to the upper floors of your home and pollute the indoor air quality. This can pose severe health risks for you and your family.
Let’s take a look at some of the dangers associated with basement mold:
Health Risks of Mold
While no one is totally immune to mold, those with compromised immune systems, including children, are more vulnerable to mold allergies than others. Based on a research by the Center for Disease Control, exposure to indoor mold can result in upper respiratory tract problems, with symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing for healthy people.
For people with serious mold allergies, mold exposure can cause severe asthma conditions, shortness of breath, and fever. Other symptoms of mold allergies include nasal congestion, skin irritation, and eye irritation.
Black mold is the most dangerous among all types of mold. Apart from the conditions discussed above, it can lead to eye inflammation and fungal infections in lungs. Those already suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or asthma are at risk of developing serious conditions.
If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing any of these health conditions, closely monitor whether the symptoms are more severe at home than when you’re outside. If they are, take them seriously instead of regarding it as a common cold, and call a home restoration professional to get your basement inspected for mold.
Structural Problems
The impact of mold extends beyond health issues. If it grows on wooden building materials such as those used for framing during basement finishing projects, it will use these paths to infiltrate the rest of the house. That’s why it’s advised to get rid of mold and water damage issues in your basement before renovating it.
As mold spreads in the foundations and walls of the basement and home, it will weaken the beams and bearing walls, undermining the entire structure of your home.
Invest in Professional Mold Remediation
Because of the reasons mentioned above, if there is mold growth in your basement, reach out to home restoration professionals for inspection and treatment. The professional will not just help you track and ensure effective mold remediation, but they will also suggest some incredible methods, such as crawl space encapsulation and basement waterproofing to keep mold at bay.
To track and get rid of basement mold, get in touch with S.T.O.P today.
