The Health Risks Associated With A Flooded Basement
A flooded or wet basement comes with quite a few health risks, and we at AA Action Waterproofing want to make sure you’re prepared for what you may be facing should your basement begin to accumulate moisture. Whether you’re looking at inches of water in your basement, feet of water, or smaller patches of moisture, there are quite a few risks associated with any type of moisture allowed to take up residence in your basement space. The top 3 health risks associated with a flooded or wet basement are:
- Respiratory complications – With moisture comes mold, and even if you think you’ve cleaned up after a moisture situation properly, the little you may have missed can create the perfect home for mold to grow. Mold growth can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and it can be incredibly difficult to combat, as the spores continue to spread and grow while irritating your nose, throat, and lungs. For those with allergies or asthma, these respiratory complications can grow severe, although it often manifests as a chronic annoyance for those who are otherwise healthy.
- Raw sewage exposure – When a basement floods with a more significant amount of water, sewage backups can occur. It is often recommended that flood waters accumulated in a basement never be touched without protective clothing or by someone who is not a professional, as this can expose you to extremely harmful and dangerous sewage bacteria.
- Injury risks – Basement moisture and flooding can also cause structural damage in your home which can lead to injury. This type of structural damage isn’t always simple to spot, and you may find that beams and other structures look perfectly sound until an accident occurs.
The best way to avoid these health risks caused by a wet basement is through basement waterproofing, as this will help to keep the moisture out of your basement space once and for all. If you’re tired of putting yourself at risk due to your wet basement, simply call us at AA Action Waterproofing today to see what our waterproofing services can do for your home!