Can living in a basement cause health problems?

Hazards commonly found in basements include toxic chemicals, pests, mold, indoor air quality issues (such as dangerous gases) and fire hazards that can affect all rooms of the home.

Can sleeping in a basement make you sick?

What you might not realize is that poor indoor air quality can turn your basement into a health hazard. Air quality is affected by the presence of mold, radon, and other toxins. Symptoms can include: Headache.

Does living in a basement affect your mental health?

Liz Sinclair Kruth, a registered psychotherapist in Guelph, Ont., says that living in a basement apartment can potentially exacerbate, or even cause mental health challenges. “There is often less natural light in basement dwellings, which can lead to feeling depressed,” says Sinclair Kruth.

Can living in a basement cause breathing problems?

If you've ever noticed a stuffy smell when you've entered a basement, that odor is most likely the result of poor ventilation. While stuffy air below-grade won't affect anyone living upstairs, it can trigger asthma attacks or other respiratory problems in those who spend time in a basement bedroom or rec room.

How can I make my basement safe to live?

Pros and cons of living in a basement apartment

How do I clean the air in my basement?

Are you wondering how to improve air quality in the basement? There are several ways. Use an air purifier, dry the moisture out, keep windows closed, seal cracks and gaps, remove VOC's, test for radon, and monitor carbon monoxide.

Is it good to live in a basement?

Some health risks to people who live in basements have been noted, for example mold, radon, and risk of injury/death due to fire. It has been suggested that a basement suite is the last type of dwelling a tenant should look for because of the risk of mold.

How do you check the air quality in your basement?

How do you keep a basement healthy?

Do I need air purifier in basement?

Basement air is usually the worst in a house. It's full of mold, radon, stagnant air, and VOCs and can significantly impact your health and respiratory tract. Therefore, as the most robust solution in the fight against basement air, I recommend buying an air purifier for the basement.

Is it OK to have a bedroom in the basement?

In short, yes. You can use your basement as a bedroom, but you have to ensure that it complies with the proper building codes. Basement living spaces require an emergency exit and rescue openings, also known as an egress code.

Do basement apartments have more bugs?

One of the most significant is the increased incidence of insect problems. Because a basement typically lacks natural light and provides a moist environment, it is an ideal home for many types of bugs, including roaches, spiders, crickets and sow bugs.

Why do people hate basement apartments?

Cons of a basement apartment

The biggest structural con is that the ceiling can be a lot lower than in apartments that are above the ground, Stoddard says. When you couple that with the minimal lighting, it's not an ideal living situation for some who prefer their spaces to be open and bright.

How can you tell if you have mold in your lungs?

Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus mold can cause an infection/reaction called aspergillosis in some people. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest pain and fever.

Can working in a moldy basement make you sick?

Damp, indoor spaces breed mold.

But more importantly, mold is bad for your family's health. If you have a moldy basement, you are at risk for sickness that affects your respiratory system. These include coughs, asthma, nose and throat issues, and shortness of breath.

Why does my throat hurt after sleeping in the basement?

This is because, without that moisture in the air, it's much harder for your throat and mouth to stay hydrated naturally. This leads to a dry or sore throat, coughing, or even wheezing. In general, low humidity is uncomfortable.

Are allergies worse in basement?

Due to the high humidity, basements make excellent hosts for the most common home allergens. It's surprisingly common to find mold in the basement, making it one of the most likely triggers for allergy symptoms or respiratory issues in a house.

What is the correct humidity for a basement?

Normal Basement Humidity Levels

A comfortable basement should maintain a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent — however, those may differ depending on your climate.

Do basements have bad air?

This is partly because many households use their finished basement to store cleaning products, auto supplies, paints, solvents, and other chemicals that slowly release fumes into the air. And with no air circulation, these fumes build up to produce a highly polluted indoor environment that causes poor ventilation.

Is the air quality worse in a basement?

Basements are renowned for stale air. It's not just a simple nuisance, but it may pose a health risk. Basement air quality may be the worst in your house. The musty smell is symptomatic of air pollution capable of causing adverse health effects.

What is the disadvantage of living in a basement?

Con: Moisture and Humidity Issues

Basements tend to have higher humidity levels than other areas of your home, due to their location under the ground. A humid basement is an inviting environment for mold, which can cause health issues for the people who live in your home.

Should you open windows in basement?

Always Shut Basement Windows

It could mean downtime and disruption to your normal life. Moisture buildup can also damage your floor covering and insulation. Your air conditioner will suck this moist air through the subfloor. When this air gets into the rest of the house, it will warp your wood floors too.

How can I get more oxygen in my basement?

If you want to increase oxygen levels in your home, install a fan or filter, or add some indoor plants. Try to open your windows for a few minutes 3 times a day, even in winter. This helps to circulate fresh, oxygen-rich air around your home.

How can I make my basement less depressing?

Drive away the gloom with splashes of bright colour. You can use anything: furniture, pillows, paintings, vases, lamps, artwork, even a bunch a flowers. Strong colours such as red, bright blue and yellow will instantly transform your basement into a happy place.

What does illegal basement mean?

What makes a basement suite illegal? Any suite that was built without the proper permits, or was built in an area of the city where secondary suites aren't permitted is considered an illegal suit.