Is Mold in Your Basement Making You Sick?

Does your basement produce a musty smell?Is there condensation on your basement windows and water pipes?If so, there is a good chance that this is the result of high humidity in your basement.

Musty odors are often the first indication of a moisture/mold problem.Moist, humid basements provide a perfect environment for mold growth.There are plenty of organic materials in a damp basement for mold to feed on: carpeting, cloth, wood, cardboard and drywall just to name a few.

And what's even worse, mold spores can drift up from your basement into your house and adversely affect your health.

Molds are microscopic organisms that are a type of fungi with over 100,000 species identified.Molds digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores.Mold in your basement will produce invisible mold spores that become airborne.These airborne spores then drift upward into your home where you and your family breathe them in.Natural airborne patterns, referred to as the "Stack Effect", draws air from your basement upwards into your home.

Exposure to mold (through inhaling or touching) can cause irritation of your eyes, nose, skin, throat and lungs.Mold spores can also cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

Humid basements are a common problem in the United States, in part because of the way basements are designed.The problem can become even worse without the use of basement dehumidifiers to remove the excess moisture.There are several warning signs to alert you that you have a humidity problem in your basement.Visible signs of excessive basement moisture include:

Condensation on windows

Peeling paint

Small black or white spots on walls

Rusting metal objects

Warped wood around window sills

Damp carpets

Musty odors

Once mold has invaded your home, it can cause a myriad of health problems, depending on your susceptibility.Individuals who are the most vulnerable to mold are those with allergies, asthmatics, those with existing respiratory problems, infants and small children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.Symptoms of exposure to mold include:

Allergic reactions

Asthma attacks

Increased susceptibility to colds and flu

Increased sinus infections

There are even dangerous strains of mold that can be toxic.Strachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as "black mold", is a type of toxic mold found in basements.Black mold can be a contributing factor to illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.Symptoms of exposure to toxic mold include:

Nasal congestion

Skin irritation

Eye irritation

Sinus inflammation

Headache

Fatigue

Sore throat

Mold can have many adverse effects on the health of both you and your family.The best way to keep mold from growing in your basement is to remove the excess moisture from the air.The best way to accomplish this is with a high quality basement dehumidifier.Typical appliance grades dehumidifiers won't get the job down.Use a basement dehumidifier that is designed especially for harsh basement environments.

About the Author - Chuck Jaymes writes frequently about Basement Dehumidifiers and air quality issues for OscarAir, Inc

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Aloe Vera - A Silencer of Asthma Symptoms

One in four people have the symptoms of asthma. It is present in all age groups. Asthma attacks are accompanied by wheezing, overproduction of mucus, and coughing. Inflammation and mucus production is the result of muscular over activity and most people get warning signs of an impending asthma attack.

People will try anything to avoid an asthma attack. Lessening stress, dust or allergens is almost impossible to achieve. And most asthmatics get regular attacks no matter how many prescription medications they take. Some children do outgrow the symptoms of asthma but those that don't are constantly searching for something to control their asthma.

A study in 2005 found that 57% of asthmatics found relief using a combination of conventional and natural treatments. One natural treatment is aloe vera.

Aloe vera contains natural steroids and other compounds that reduce inflammation. Some of these compounds in aloe my increase the removal of particles that are responsible for asthma triggers. It is to be noted that it should not be used alone to treat an ongoing asthma attack. Aloe vera is effective as a preventative means. Keeping an inhaler close by during an attack will definitely help along with the use of aloe vera.

When taking aloe vera, too much of a good thing can be problematic. Aloe vera does have a laxative effect and for some people, this can be a huge bonus. Aloe vera does come in many forms and there are some that will not deliver this side effect.

In order to find relief from an asthma attack and its accompanying symptoms, find a product that is 100% natural and is manufactured as pure as possible. It would also be good to see if this product is endorsed by the medical community as safety is guaranteed.

Mirjam T. shows people how to improve health with aloe vera by offering well documented free advice. Learn how to best use this marvelous plant and take advantage of all the health benefits of aloe vera supplements.

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