Mold in Basement

If your house has a basement, then chances are you are housing enemies in your own home. Often times, with improper or lack of insulation in your walls or floors, the basement can become humid or damp from basement leaks and this in turn produces basement mold. Basement mold are small and can be difficult to be seen if you don’t know where to look. Despite its size and the fact that you cannot see basement mold, it can prove to be a health hazard for yourself and for your loved one.

Basement mold will cause allergic rhinitis and asthma attacks on those family members that are susceptible to allergens. However, even individuals who are not normally prone to allergic rhinitis and asthma will eventually develop sensitivities to basement mold. Children and pregnant women need extra protection against basement mold.

Allergic rhinitis and allergies caused by the inhalation of mold spores from basement mold will experience cold like symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and excessive sneezing. These symptoms can greatly inhibit normal functions and challenge one’s quality of life. To prevent this from happening, you must check your basement for basement mold especially if you experience humidity in this area. Also, if you have experienced flooding and leaks that may not have been properly aired and dried out, chances are your home has developed basement mold.

If you ask around and check, you will find that you might be encouraged to test for molds using professional materials. While this is an effective means to check for basement molds, the apparatus is costly and can be by passed if you use your own common sense. Remember that basement mold will most probably form on organic materials like paper, wood and even carpets. So if you have experienced basement leaks, flooding or humidity in your basement, this is a good indication of the growth of basement mold. Other key factors to look out for are water stains on the walls or ceiling or floors.

Also, if the paint or wallpaper is peeling, this might indicate moisture and should alert you to possible growth of basement mold in these areas. If your basement is your home’s laundry area, you should note that an un-aired clothes dryer creates a very healthy environment for basement mold growth because of its humidity. Also, if you store partially dry clothes in the basement, this will also give way to basement mold. It is then important to check in closets and shelves for the presence of basement mold. Lastly, check behind furniture that are backed against walls.

Once you have found the sources of basement mold, you will need to remove them and keep them from coming back. You should remove basement mold with a lot care to your own health as well. This means that when you do take on the task of removing basement mold, you should use a proper mask that is designed to keep the smallest mold spore out. Also, be sure to wear goggles and rubber gloves in the process and quickly discard and launder the clothes worn right after removing basement mold.

Before removing the basement mold, dampen the affected area first to minimize the possibility of airborne mold spores. Remember to keep your basement dry and clean after you remove the mold to prevent basement mold from happening again.