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Air Quality Levels in Basement Living

People sometimes want to use their basement as a living area, but some precautions should be taken to minimize potential harmful effects from regular exposure to indoor air pollutants.

  1. Radon

    • Radon is a radioactive gas in soil that can seep into homes and cause unhealthy levels. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Indoor radon levels depend on many factors but tend to be higher in the basement because it is closer to the ground.

    Mold

    • Mold can build up in damp areas and cause problems for people with allergies or asthma. If there are leaky pipes or leaks from outside in a basement, it may lead to mold.

    Indoor Pollutants

    • Indoor air pollutants result from out-gassing of chemicals used to finish furniture and paneling, and from chemical cleaning products. The problem may be greater in a basement if it is not well ventilated.

    Carbon Monoxide

    • Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas that is toxic at high levels. A gas or wood stove or furnace in the basement that is not well ventilated can release excess levels of CO.

    Solutions

    • If people are living in a basement, there should be windows for cross air flow. Fans can also help with air circulation. Radon levels should be tested and measures implemented to lower the levels if they are too high. State radon offices provide information on mitigation measures (see Resource below).

    Renovations

    • Before renovations are made to a basement, radon levels should be tested. If levels are high, measures can be more easily implemented as part of a renovation.

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