Ventilating the basement is important to reduce the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and for healthy living.
If you live in a basement with high humidity, the air quality may be low from a lack of ventilation. Also, if you have pets or moisture issues in the basement, it will worsen the air quality.
Related: Mystery Pipe in Basement Floor: 3 Answers (Explained)
But if you live in a basement, are you at risk of oxygen depletion? Even though you won’t be lacking in air, if your basement has unpurified air, oxygen deficit may make you experience a level of discomfort sufficient to disrupt your sleep.
This article discusses your risk of oxygen deficiency and how to prevent it.
Can a damp basement cause health problems?
A common concern of homeowners is that their basements might have too much moisture.
Since basement air is usually stagnant and humid, it can be a breeding ground for harmful mold, bacteria, and viruses.
Immune system complications and respiratory issues, such as asthma and chronic sinusitis, are believed to be exacerbated by living in poorly ventilated areas.
With their tight clusters of spaces, basements usually have low levels of sunlight and fresh air, which can cause a build-up of airborne pollutants and allergens.
Read More: Do Townhouses Have Basements? Explained!
Do basements have less oxygen?
Beyond their potential to cause condensation, basements can also have low oxygen levels.
You won’t run out of oxygen, but it may feel particularly stuffy or uncomfortable — enough to interfere with the quality of your sleep.
Non-filtered air could increase the deficiency of oxygen, as well.
Other factors that can affect the quantity of oxygen include:
- cooking
- open/naked flames
- tobacco smoking
- woodworking
- paint
- the presence of moisture and mold
- the presence of garbage
Reference
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/can-damp-and-mould-affect-my-health/
