Poor indoor air quality can lead to health and wellness problems. Experts warn, most individuals are concerned about pollution when they head outdoors, but do not seem to know that their homes can be polluted too.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common causes of indoor air pollution are radon, asbestos, molds, chemical, and moisture. The WHO discussed indoor air pollution in one of their posts on the topic. Mighty Dry San Diego Water Damage Restoration
“Indoor air quality is also damaged by poor choice of building materials, structural risks as well as poor ventilation practices, as follows: Moisture build-up, mold, and bacterial growth can occur as a result of structural building faults, inadequate heating, insulation or inadequate ventilation. These can increase the risks of allergies and asthma. Radon is a radioactive gas that emanates from certain rock and soil formations, concentrating in the basement or ground levels of homes, in the absence of inadequate ventilation or evacuation systems. Recent studies on indoor radon in Europe, North America, and Asia indicate that lung cancers attributable to radon may range from 3–14%.”
Check out the rest of the material here.
INDOOR AIR AND ITS NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACT
Poor indoor air quality is linked to various health conditions. The health impact of indoor pollutants can both manifest in both the short term and long term. According to the United States Environment Protection Agency, short term effects can range from nausea, dizziness, fatigue, irritation, among other symptoms. The long term effects, though, can be very dreadful, as stated in one of the articles posted on the EPA’s official website. 24 Hours Water Damage Mission Valley
“Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.”
Find the full write-up here.
SYMPTOMS OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
The Illinois Department of Public Health also extensively discussed indoor air pollution. They mentioned several reasons why indoor air becomes polluted and what property owners can do about it. They also said how homeowners could determine if the indoor air quality in their house is considered inferior.
“Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult. Extremely high levels of some contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, can cause more serious illness, including death.”
The continuation can be found here.
There are several ways to improve indoor air quality at home, and foremost of which is adequate ventilation. If the homeowner suspects that there is a presence of severe indoor air pollutants at home, then he should hire indoor air quality professionals to help him out with the issue.
For homeowners who have been fortunate enough to just sustain minimal property damage following a home fire, smoke odor can be the issue to face. Smoke odor is not only annoying, especially when they cling to upholstery and clothes. It can also pose health hazards.
Fortunately, there are fire damage contractors who can help get rid of smoke odors in any property. By using specialized equipment and carrying out state of the art techniques in odor removal, smoke odors will be a thing of the past. Mighty Dry San Diego Flood Restoration Online
On the homeowner’s part, there are also some ways to help eliminate smoke odor while waiting for professional services to be carried out. Architecture and home improvement website Hunker.com says vinegar is an effective odor remover. What Parents Can Do About Suspected Molds in Schools
“Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer. Step 2: Spray the white vinegar over the hard surfaces in your home. Do not spray it on natural stone surfaces, because white vinegar will damage them. Only gently mist wood surfaces. Step 3: Let the white vinegar dry completely. Step 4: Sprinkle the soft surfaces in the house with baking soda so that they are completely covered. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber.”
Check the rest of the procedure here.
DO NOT JUST MASK ODORS
Texas A & M University meanwhile cautioned homeowners against just masking smoke odors using synthetic scents that can also be filled with chemicals. Instead, airing out the whole house could be helpful. Why Molds Trigger Allergies
“Burning scented candles and perfumed aerosols are often used to remove smoke odor from a house. These remedies most often only mask the odor temporarily. Ventilation can help to remove some of the smell, but it actually only dilutes the odor and does not remove the smell permanently. To remove the smell permanently, one must remove the source of the problem. The smoke particles must be removed by cleaning since smoke particles tend to get into the smallest cracks and areas. This means that you may be left with lingering odors even after cleaning your house from top to bottom. Removing all sources of odors is the only way to ensure the scent will not linger. You may need to rent an ozone generator or hire a professional to use an ozone generator to destroy the smoke molecules that are left behind and are causing the odor.”
Read the rest of the materials here.
As for small spaces like apartments, Home guides SF Gate rounded up some tips to get rid of fire smoke odor. They, too, recommend excellent ventilation for an initial step while waiting for professional servicing. Fire Inspection
“Blow out the apartment with positive pressure. This is much more effective than using an exhaust fan or opening a window. Set up the largest fan you can get outside the front of your apartment door facing inwards. Please turn it on high and blow fresh air in the house. As the smoke rose, it filled in all the little spaces in your apartment, and you need to flush it out. Close all the other doors and windows and open one window for exhaust. This will force the fresh air into the room and push out any lingering smoke. Be sure to remove the screen for better airflow.”
Check out the full article here.
Professional smoke odor removal is indeed a must to eliminate the unpleasant smoke odor in any home.
Molds can pose severe dangers to health. This is especially true for infants. Children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Unfortunately, molds can lurk everywhere. A home may be spotless, but molds can grow where the naked eye cannot see them. Some of these places are behind walls or on under sink cabinets. And while they might be out of sight, these molds and their spores can still wreak havoc unto the health and wellness of everyone in the household. Mighty Dry San Diego CA
If and when a person is fortunate enough to live in a mold-free environment, he can still be subjected to mold woes. Offices and schools, as well as areas commonly frequented by people like gyms, daycares, and the like, could have mold problems too. Thus, it is not that easy to avoid molds. And the only way to prevent contracting illnesses due to it is by being aware of its proliferation and doing something about it. Santee 24 Hours Water Damage
One of the ways molds make a person feel ill is by triggering allergies. Some people who may have allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma may be allergic to mold spores. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explained how some people’s allergies get triggered by molds. What Causes Mold Growth in the Basement?
“Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Allergic symptoms from fungus spores are most common from July to early fall. But fungi grow in many places, both indoors and outside, so allergic reactions can occur year-round. Although there are many types of molds, only a few dozen cause allergic reactions. Many molds grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, in compost piles, and on grasses and grains. Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost. Most outdoor molds become inactive during the winter. In the spring, they grow on plants killed by the cold. Indoors, fungi grow in damp areas. They can often be found in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement.”
Read the rest here.
SYMPTOMS OF MOLD ALLERGY
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says, a person should be mindful of the symptoms of a mold allergy. While other people are aware that they are allergic to molds, some do not have the slightest clue and continue to suffer through the symptoms. Signs of Mold in a Commercial Building
“Mold allergy symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory allergies: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, coughing, wheezing, and itchy throat. Mold can also trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms. If you suspect you might have a mold allergy, or if you have similar symptoms that continue to persist, consult an allergist. Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your allergies and asthma, so you can live the life you want. They can conduct skin or blood tests that help pinpoint the allergy.
In the case of mold allergies, you may be able to identify the source of the mold by tracking your symptoms over two weeks, along with where you’ve been. Exposure to mold allergies can occur just about anywhere — in the home, outdoors, or at work.”
Read the rest of the explanation here.
The Mayo Clinic, for its part, warns people with allergic rhinitis and asthma to be mindful of possible health complications mold allergies can bring. In its discussion on mold allergies, Mayo Clinic explained that while hay-fever like symptoms is common for those reeling from mold allergies, more severe illnesses can develop on others.
“Certain allergic conditions caused by mold are more severe. These include (1) Mold-induced asthma. In people allergic to mold, breathing in spores can trigger an asthma flare-up. If you have a mold allergy and asthma, be sure you have an emergency plan in place in case of a severe asthma attack. (2) Allergic fungal sinusitis. This results from an inflammatory reaction to fungus in the sinuses. (3) Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This reaction to fungus in the lungs can occur in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis. (4) Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This rare condition occurs when exposure to airborne particles such as mold spores causes the lungs to become inflamed. It may be triggered by exposure to allergy-causing dust at work.”
Continue reading about the other symptoms here.
Homeowners should immediately address mold problems to avoid triggering allergies.
The basement of any home serves a whole lot of purpose for every family. It can be a family area where kids and their parents get to lounge around, play board games, and watch movies. It could be a place where families can store some of their seasonal clothes and decorations, among other personal effects. The basement can also serve as a spare room or a laundry room. Mighty Dry San Diego Flood Repair Service
Whatever purpose a family has for their home’s basement, it is essential that the space remains to be clean and free from molds. The basement is one of the most common places around the house where molds may love to grow.
Home and Garden Television attempted to explain why molds can quickly grow in the basement. In one of their posts, they explained that the dark and sometimes damp environment within quickly gives way to mold growth.
“Basement mold is often the result of a source of moisture — leaky foundations or condensation from appliances are typical culprits. One of the first steps in the prevention of basement mold is to ensure that your basement is free of any moisture and doesn’t support a damp, humid environment where mold can thrive.”
Check out the full write-up here.
DANGERS OF MOLDS IN THE BASEMENT
Popular health website Webmd.com discussed the many health risks associated with mold exposure. They mentioned that various parts of the house might have molds, including the basement, and for this reason, homeowners should be vigilant about the damp spots and moisture that could develop. How to deal with water damage in the basement
“In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you’re allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Here’s what you can do to combat mold problems, and take care of yourself and your home. Mold Reactions: Who’s at Risk? For people sensitive to mold, inhaling, or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. In people with asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can also cause asthma attacks.”
The rest of their explanations can be found here.
Home improvement website DoItYourself.com meanwhile shared some tips on how to get rid and prevent mold growth in the basement. One of their tips includes keeping an eye on the humidity levels within the area. Hazards of Water Damage in a Commercial Setting
“Monitor Humidity Levels: High humidity levels provide the perfect growing environment for mold. You must ensure that humidity levels within your home, especially in the basement, are within acceptable levels. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level. A humidity reading of 45 percent or more is high and can be conducive to mold growth.”
The full write up can be found here.
Molds can indeed affect the health and wellness of every household member, regardless of which part of the home they grow. The mold must be removed immediately to prevent its devastating effects on health.
Water damage in the basement can be common, but it is something that can be shrugged off. It has to be addressed immediately so that further health and home hazards can be avoided. For instance, water damage can cause structural problems in the basement, and later on into the whole house. It can cause rotting, rusting, and even termite infestation.
Moreover, water damage can cause mold infestation. Molds do not only pose health hazards, but it also raises a red flag during a future home sale. Snow and Water Damage
Home maintenance website Houselogic.com discussed the issue of wet basements in one of their web articles. In their write-up, they likewise mentioned how to deal with the matter and prevent a recurrence moving forward. Mighty Dry CA San Diego
“If you see water dribbling into the basement through cracks or gaps around plumbing pipes, you can plug the openings yourself with hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk for less than $20. Plugs work when the problem is simply a hole that water oozes through, either from surface runoff or from wet soil. But if the water is coming up through the floor, or at the joint where floor and walls meet, the problem is groundwater, and plugs won’t do the trick.”
Read more of their write-up here.
BLOCKED GUTTERS
Home insurance provider State Farm also came up with a comprehensive guideline for dealing with basement water damage. In their write-up, they underscored that homeowners should get through the bottom of the issue to permanently solve the basement water damage problem, and prevent a recurrence of the matter. According to their article, one of the most common causes of a wet basement is backed-up gutters and downspouts. 24 Hour Water Damage Santee
“If this is the first instance of water problems in your basement, the first thing to check for is surface water draining down next to the foundations. Water coming in at one location or only at the exterior foundation wall indicates surface water problems. Here are some things to look for once you get outside — overflowing gutters: leaves. Keeping gutters clean of debris should be a part of every homeowner’s routine maintenance program. Depending on the surrounding trees, gutter cleaning may be required a few times a year. Products are also available to prevent leaves from getting into the gutters. Overflowing gutters: downspouts. If you don’t mind getting wet, you can do a self-check (your gutters must be cleaned out first). After at least 15 minutes of heavy rain, check your gutters. If you see any water overflowing, you have a problem.”
Check out the full guidelines here.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
WikiHow also came up with a step-by-step guide on dealing with flooding and water damage inside the home. In their illustrated guide, they discussed what homeowners should do upon discovery of the flooding situation in their house. How Children Can Suffer from Mold Issues
“Stop the flow of water. If the flooding has been caused by a burst pipe or a water heater failure, shut off the main water line for your home. Get in touch with an expert immediately if you cannot tell where the water is coming. Turn off the power if your home is flooded, cut off the electricity and gas from the main source. This isn’t as essential for small leaks or puddles, but for large floods, turn them off to be safe. Do not handle electrical appliances unless you are properly insulated. If you have to stand in water to turn off the main electricity, consult with an electrician.”
The rest of the steps can be printed from here.
Water damage in the basement is serious and destructive. It should be dealt with immediately.
