Basement Moisture Action Plan publishes general information about basement moisture, indoor humidity, and the damp conditions that let mold grow. It is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and it is not a substitute for diagnosis, screening, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Damp and moldy conditions affect people differently: molds produce allergens and irritants, inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, mold can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to it, and exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of allergic and non-allergic people alike. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing and no single outcome is established for everyone, so if you have questions about your own health, or about symptoms you think may be connected to a damp home, raise them with your doctor.
We are not a home inspector, an industrial hygienist, or a remediation contractor; nothing here is an inspection, a laboratory result, or a remediation plan. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, so everything we publish is aimed at moisture control rather than sterilizing a house: fix the water problem, dry water-damaged areas and materials quickly, and keep indoor humidity low. Where there has been significant water damage, where growth covers a large area, or where you are not sure what you are looking at, have it assessed by a qualified professional, and check any requirement against your state or local health department’s guidance, which differs by location.