Hazardcheck Virtual Tour — Basement

Hazardcheck

Protect yourself and your family from home health hazards

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Basement

Maintain furnace

If not properly maintained or vented to the outside, combustion appliances, like your furnace, can release pollutants such as carbon monoxide - a colourless and odourless gas. Make sure appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves and water heaters are well maintained and inspected by a professional at least once a year. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home certified by a certification body that is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. The alarm will have a certification mark on it such as CSA, UL, Intertek ETL, etc..

Right
Right - furnace vented correctly
Wrong
Wrong - furnace venting into basement

Reduce mould growth

Mould growth in a house may cause breathing problems and allergic reactions in some people. It is important to find the source of the humidity that is causing the mould and to correct the problem. A dehumidifier can be a very effective way to reduce indoor humidity levels.

Right
Right - dehumidifier in the basement
Wrong
Wrong - no dehumidifer in basement and visible mould growth on wall

Reduce clutter

Mould can also hide in basement clutter. Remove from the basement cardboard, paper and fabrics on which mould can grow.

Right
Right - boxes in plastic containers on shelves
Wrong
Wrong - boxes scattered on the floor

Reduce radon

If the radon level in your home is above the Canadian guideline take steps to reduce it. You can lower the level of radon in your home by sealing cracks in your foundation, putting a sealed cap on your sump hole or by hiring a certified professional to install a radon reduction system.

Right
Right - Radon reduction system installed
Wrong
Wrong - cracks visible in the basement walls
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