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In the winter of 1995 and spring of 1996, the
CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada's National Housing
Agency), conducted a survey of 405 houses in the Ottawa region of Ontario,
Canada. The objective of the survey was "to determine whether typical
'finished' basements are contributing to poor indoor air quality as a
result of mold growth in the finishing materials".
About half of the 405 houses "had signs of moisture in the basement". The
study then selected 22 for further investigation. Molds were found in 18
of the 22 houses, or 82%. Mold samples were taken from 16 of the 18
houses. In 100% of those houses, "molds with properties that are harmful
to humans were found."
The study concluded:
"1. Some finished basements do present health hazards to the occupants due
to the presence of toxigenic and dangerous molds in the wall cavities;
2. The causes of mold growth in finished basements are directly related to
chronic wetting incidents rather than the wall finishing and insulating
techniques;
3. The main chronic moisture sources associated with mold growth in
finished basements are exterior moisture sources and wetting mechanisms;"
Click here for the full copy of the CMHC report.
Click here for a copy of the Fab-Form report showing how rising damp can
contribute to chronic wetting in basements.
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