Water often leaks into my basement, how do I know if there's mold growing? To get rid of it?

Question

Everytime it rains, water leaks into my basement. Even though we clean it up, how do I know if there's hidden mold? I sleep there sometimes and it worries me because I've heard of cases where people die from the mold in their homes without even knowing it.

Any advice?

Answer 1

That CBS report on 60 minutes where black mold is killing people is plain false. That, again, is one of those TV "scare headline" that gets viewers

The CenterForDiseaseControl in Atlanta published a report stating that mold of any kind, black, green, or whatever is a harmless thing to nearly all people. And if it is harmful in respratory situtiations to some, remove the mold no matter what kind it is. Black is no more a culpret than any other. The data showing people dying or becoming ill from Black mold is so rare that the CDC doent even consider it a problem.

Mold in a basement is a problem for many people because of its SMELL. The basement will become musty in odor.

No matter, you will need to cure that water problem. Perhaps your downspouts drain too close to the house. Those need to be piped away at least 20 or more feet and drained down slope.

Answer 2

Clean with bleach and try to fix the 'leak'.

If the mold is restricted to your basement you should be fine. People dyeing of mold usually have a previous lung condition and have their living quarters infected.

Answer 3

you put a mirror on the ground and bend down and look into it and that's how you'll see mold ( im sorry im so rude sometimes, dont take it seriously i really dont know anything about how to tell if you have any mold in your house or how you would know, call your house manger and let him deal with the leak, and dont worry you wont die from the mold or anything, thats only if you have lung problems but just in case call your house manger and inform him about this problem.) :)

Answer 4

Don't breath..You can use household bleach and a garden sprayer. If it is a finished basement with interior walls of wood or sheetrock you can wipe them down with mild solution of bleach and water.. There are other compounds that will do the job.. Check with a hardware store..