Is Mold in Wet Basements Dangerous?
A fungi that grows in warm and moist environments, mold is unhealthy to breathe in and can cause a variety of allergy and respiratory problems. Mold is also unhealthy for individuals suffering from asthma. Mold in a basement or below-ground area is dangerous. You need to remove the fungi as soon as possible to keep it from traveling to other areas in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Rapid Growth
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Mold grows rapidly and affects your basement's walls, ceiling and flooring. The fungi feeds on the moisture present in your wet basement and begins to spread within 24 to 48 hours after contact with water. Once the fungi covers these areas, it penetrates the wall studs and rafters, and then travels upward into your home's other areas. Failure to recognize and address a mold problem in your basement can lead to permanent respiratory problems in the nasal passages, throat and nose and even problems with individuals' eyes and nervous systems.
Odor and Color
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A musty odor also develops as the mold is growing and spreading. The odor is strong and is one of the first indicators of a mold problem. The fungi is black or green in color but can also appear as a mixture of the two colors, along with patches of white fuzzy growth.
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Removing the Moisture Source
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The first step in stopping the mold from growing is to locate the source of moisture in the basement --- a leaking pipe, moisture seeping in from the outside, moisture from a drain or sump pump or some other source of moisture. Once you've found the source of the moisture, you need to repair the moisture-causing problem and let your basement dry out.
Mold Removal and Air Treatment
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The second step in stopping mold growth is removing it from your basement's walls, ceiling, flooring and any areas behind the walls or other structures, using a mild detergent solution of equal parts laundry detergent and warm water. Allow the surface to dry, and then mix a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Apply the solution to the surfaces with a clean rag or towel. Wait 20 minutes and reapply. Wait another 20 minutes, and then apply an equal part borate-based detergent and warm water solution. Don't rinse off this solution --- this will keep mold from growing again in your basement. Once the mold is removed, use a dehumidifier to treat the air in your basement. Dehumidifiers are available at hardware and home improvement stores, as well as certain retail superstores and online.
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