Homeowners Foundation Engineers Network

Is Your Basement Making You Sick?

Is your basement making you sick? It’s not something most people think about, but the air quality in your home could be affected by basement mold and mildew. While a breath of fresh air can be invigorating, if your basement is damp and harboring mold, the air you’re breathing may be toxic and harmful to your health. 

 

Damp basements are a major contributor to poor indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air may be 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, which is alarming when you consider that we spend about 90% of our time indoors. One of the biggest factors impacting indoor air quality is basement moisture , which can lead to mold, mildew and other allergens being circulated throughout your home.

Why Basement Moisture Is a Health Hazzard

Rickety wooden staircase leading to the basement
Damp basements can affect indoor air quality.

Basements can be damp places, and moisture and mold go together. Basements contain dust and dirt, the organic content necessary for fungal growth.

The Department of Energy says, “The potential for moisture problems exists anywhere building components are below grade, whether you have a basement, crawlspace, or slab-on-grade foundation.”

According to government researchers, “Most basement water leakage results from water flowing through holes, cracks, and other discontinuities into the home’s basement walls or water wicking into the cracks and pores of porous building materials, such as masonry blocks, concrete, or wood. These tiny cracks and pores can absorb water in any direction – even upward.”

In other words, moisture in the basement doesn’t stay in the basement. Once moisture seeps in, it creates an environment for mold to grow, which negatively impacts the air quality. This air then rises and circulates through the home, facilitated by your HVAC ductwork system, potentially causing health issues for everyone inside.

The Link Between Moisture and Sick Building Syndrome

Exposure to moisture and mold from your basement can contribute to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition where individuals experience health problems while in a particular building with no clear cause. Common symptoms of SBS include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and respiratory irritation. The cause of Sick Building Syndrome is often attributed to flaws in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Your basement making you sick may be a result of poor ventilation and moisture buildup that exacerbates this condition.

Signs Your Basement is Making You Sick

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome related to basement mold include:

basement mold and moisture
Mold in your basement could be making you sick.

Protect Your Family with ECP

The best way to protect your family and improve indoor air quality is by keeping moisture out of your basement. Earth Contact Products (ECP) offers a variety of basement and crawlspace waterproofing solutions to help you maintain a healthy home environment. From high-performance vapor barriers and sump pumps to free-standing Santa Fe dehumidifiers and interior drainage systems, ECP’s products are designed to prevent moisture and condensation from entering your basement or crawlspace.

Take Action Today: Prevent Your Basement from Making You Sick

Don’t let moisture compromise your health and home! Contact ECP today to explore the best waterproofing options for your basement or crawlspace. Our network of waterproofing contractors stands ready to assist you in keeping your basement or crawl space dry and safe. Find a contractor near you today!

moldy crawlspace
A high-performance vapor barrier and a free-standing Santa Fe dehumidifier will improve your crawlspace.
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