The health threat from asbestos is primarily from its tiny fibers that are released into the … The dangers of lead pipes became apparent in the late 1800s, and a gradual phase out started at that time. Once airborne, the bacteria can cause many different harmful infections, and if they are not cleaned out properly the sickness will keep coming back. Basement. The symptoms you can expect from mold exposure can vary from allergies to infections. Exposure to mold increases the risk of health problems such as asthma, allergies, and even depression. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. At that point, it constitutes a serious health hazard, especially if exposure is prolonged; the effects are worsened if the people exposed are smokers. chronic reactions related to prolonged exposure to low concentrations of substances. To keep water out, install gutters and downspouts. Yes, if you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.Damp and mould can also affect the immune system. Read our comprehensive report on the topic: Talk to a CAA-Quebec residential advisor by calling 514 861-6162 or 1 888 627-6666. Should this equipment need servicing, the presence of a grow op in the basement presents something of a security risk dilemma. Concrete floors have long been used in industrial buildings, and recently they have become popular in residential apartments and homes, too. Ground moisture promotes living allergens. Alexa Blay and her husband rented a basement apartment in Toronto, Ontario, for about a year and a half. They are there to help you make informed, objective choices, whatever project you plan to undertake. In some cases, the best available living quarters were in attic or basement rooms retrofitted as makeshift apartments. Gases. 56 years experience Internal Medicine. The National Resources Defense Council reports that nearly 2 million cases of illnesses are caused by sewage contamination each year. Get rid of the old paints and glues, and buy zero-VOC paint the next time. However, in most cases the basement is the room tested since it is the most susceptible to radon infiltration, even if it is not used as living space. Inhaling mold in the long term can cause damage to your respiratory system and humid basements make ideal environments for mold to thrive. Finished Basement Living Space . Pay close attention to wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. In some cases, the best available living quarters were in attic or basement rooms retrofitted as makeshift apartments. Living with her is just like living with an old friend, she accepts everything and supports me 100%. Asbestos was a popular material for most of the twentieth century, mainly because of its ability to insulate and act as a fire retardant. Whatever purpose you give your basement, though—office, game room, home cinema—it’s vital that you make sure it offers a healthy environment for all occupants. Basement Living Space Ideas . Favorite Answer. The dangers from radon gas are from long-term exposure, so as long as you don’t use your basement as living space, going down to put on a load of laundry in a basement with higher levels will not cause you to drop dead on the spot; you just don’t want to live in it constantly. Mould is made up of microscopic fungi that grow in humid materials. The Dangers of Living With a Wet Basement in Westford, MA While it is easy to close the basement door and forget the space is even part of the home, that is the last thing the homeowner wants to do. Dr. Stevan Cordas answered. The top concerns that come to my mind are Radon gas and mold/mildew if the basement is damp. If you are a CAA-Quebec member, you can call the professionals at our Residential Advisory Services, free of charge, as often as you wish. Fungal Infection. Individuals diagnosed with immune-deficiency conditions such as AIDS, or those … However, in most cases the basement is the room tested since it is the most susceptible to radon infiltration, even if it is not used as living space. A house can act like a vacuum, sucking up underground gases. Sounds like a dream, but we are struggling with the tiny space in this expensive Toronto, I came here just because I'm trying to make a hard decision and looking for a larger space for my coming child. Mould releases spores into the air, which everyone in the house can breathe in. Living in a basement is not very healthy for a few reasons..first off the air in a basement tends to be stale and also it's not good for the lungs because of chances of mold and mildew that grow in basements. If this is the case, report to the health department, landlord and the city water and sewer department immediatley and move out. what are the health risks of living in the basement? Organize piles of wood. Sewage can generate a variety of gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, chlorine, nitrous oxide, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Trim your tree branches to eliminate potential routes for pests. Waterproof basement walls. What are the health benefits of cornbread, What are the health benefits of limoncello, What are the risks of donating bone marrow. Too often, safety was an afterthought. Learn about the main provisions. The longer one is exposed to it, the worse the damage: Carbon monoxide is released in cases of incomplete combustion of organic matter or when an appliance (e.g., a heater or generator) or vehicle burns fuel such as gasoline, propane or natural gas, wood, heating oil, etc. Dangers Of Living In Basement. The lack of shock absorbency in concrete flooring affects feet first, causing the soles and heels to ache. It could also create rotted wood, which can lead to foundation damage. The CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns about the dangers of living with mold in the home: Respiratory tract symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after exposure to tobacco. A professional will not only remove the black mold that is visible but will also search for any that may be hidden in ceilings, floors, and walls. Lv 4. All rights reserved. Why marijuana grow ops are a problem. Limited natural ventilation and, often, no air exchanger, Vulnerable to infiltration by water or gases from underground, The location where the various systems in the house are normally controlled (water, sewer, electrical, gas, security/alarm system, etc. Living in a humid indoor environment is considered unhealthy and people tend to have more respiratory illnesses in such an environment. Sewage can spread illness, disease and even death. Breathing in mold spores can cause multiple problems, and the symptoms usually vary from one person to the next. But it’s more likely to accumulate in homes that are: … Often compounded by allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose. To proliferate, mould needs moisture and a material it can live in: wood, paper, carpeting, etc. Presuming that it is adequately heated/cooled, and does not have mold growing in it, it should be no different than any home. But while concrete floors are in vogue, people who live on them can suffer from a number of health problems resulting from exposure to concrete and the lack of shock absorbency they provide. A basement apartment is an apartment located below street level, underneath another structure—usually an apartment building, but possibly a house or a business. Having a wet basement can cause ruin to electrical fixtures, such as furnaces or air conditioners. Because air movement affects the results of the test, the test kit should be located away from doors and windows where the air is mostly still. No doubt you realize that this urine, like all human and animal waste, carries bacteria that could cause illness. The symptoms and health effects of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning cover a wide range of health problems, but understanding the indicators can help keep you and your family safe. Breaks in the basement obvious, though, preventing it from forming in the first place is best... 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