Living in New England we have the luxury of homes with basements. In many other parts of the United States, the ground simply doesn’t lend itself to house foundations with basements. Who doesn’t like all the advantages that a basement provides? It can be used as a storage space or spruced up to become an extra cozy room in the house. However basements are highly susceptible to floods and other forms of water damage.
After a great deal of snow melts around our homes or after a lengthy stretch of rainy weather, a basement can become very moist and damp. This creates an environment that is a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. The prolonged effect of this mold can be hazardous to your health. After any significant water damage, it’s important to have professional mold testing done to assess the quality of your indoor environment.
The Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Air quality testing is an essential aspect of home maintenance. Whether you’re planning on having your basement refinished or not, it’s still important to check if your basement’s air quality may be healthy or not. At Purely Green Environmental, we specialize in air quality testing and mold testing and have seen our fair share of the detrimental effects that can come from having a damp basement.
Studies by institutions like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) have shown that there is a strong link between indoor exposure to mold and a number of health problems, some of which develop in otherwise healthy human beings. In fact, the CDC reported on a study done by the IOM that states there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.
After a basement suffers water damage, the air quality should be professionally tested. At Purely Green Environmental we effectively assess the quality of your home’s or office’s indoor environment. Then, based on our findings we recommend the proper actions to take in order to ensure the increased quality of your indoor environment.
If you’re interested in mold testing for your home or office, contact us at: 603-345-1900.
