Is Mold In a Crawl Space a Health Problem?

Is mold dangerous? What health problems can it cause? What are the signs of mold allergy? How can I protect my loved ones? These questions are natural. After all, no one likes mold, especially if its growing right under your feet. On this page, you’ll find answers to these questions and learn how to fix the problem.

What Are the Health Risks Associated With Mold?

Mold becomes dangerous when it attaches itself to organic materials in a damp crawl space, the perfect condition for growth. Existing moisture allows the mold to grow and produce mold spores. When these float in your home, it causes serious allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure can worsen asthma problems and in some cases, trigger autoimmune disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

Interestingly, people react differently to mold exposure. Some individuals will show no signs, while others will manifest a variety of bodily responses. If you’re allergic to foreign particles, you’re likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms or signs:

• Itchy eyes/skin
• Stuffy nose
• Skin rashes
• Wheezing
• Persistent coughs
• Laborious breathing

See a doctor if you experience one or more of the above symptoms.

What Are the Signs of Crawl Space Mold?

Unsure if mold is growing in your crawl space or simply want to know what an infestation looks like? Here are several signs that should prompt you to contact your basement or crawl space contractor so they can perform an in-depth inspection:

• Runny nose, itchy eyes or coughs
• Wet insulation
• Musty smells
• Black or greenish spots on walls
• Wood rot
• Sagging floors

Some mold may appear black when it’s not actually black mold. Only a mold removal expert can ascertain what type of mold you’re up against. And that’s why testing is really important.

How to Prevent Crawl Space Mold

The spores that lead to mold are always present, so you have to cut off the sources that allow them to thrive. Crawl space encapsulation is the best way to do that, and it involves a few different water management tools working together. These are:

• Vapor barrier
• Crawl space drainage
• Drainage matting
• Sump pump
• Dehumidifier
• Crawl space door

With crawl space encapsulation installed, your crawl spaces environment stays dry and controlled. Without moisture or humidity taking over your crawl space, mold won’t have a chance to thrive and cause problems for both your home and loved ones.

Keep Crawl Space Mold Under Control With Ohio Basement Authority

Noticing signs of mold in your crawl space? Act sooner rather than later to avoid sever damage. Schedule a free crawl space repair inspection with Ohio Basement Authority, serving homeowners across the state since 2009. We provide lasting fixes and quality service!

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.