Health Issue In Crawlspace - InspectionNews

Jack Wingo · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 04:28 PM

A home built in central Florida with a vented crawlspace that is clear of any debris, but is basically a retention area. The crawlspace is lower than surrounding grade. Other than creepy crawly things and gators, what are some potential health issues in this type of environment?

Ron Bibler · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 04:37 PM

Jack please fix your location address so we can help each other better.

State and City.

Thanks

Ron

Jack Wingo · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

Jack please fix your location address so we can help each other better.

State and City.

Thanks

Ron

Hello Ron,
Have added information.
Thanks

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 04:58 PM

This link may help in what your looking for.

rick

Crawl Space Safety: Checklist of Unsafe Crawl Space Conditions

Gunnar Alquist · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Wingo

A home built in central Florida with a vented crawlspace that is clear of any debris, but is basically a retention area. The crawlspace is lower than surrounding grade. Other than creepy crawly things and gators, what are some potential health issues in this type of environment?

Jack,

Not really sure what information you are looking for. In general, crawlspaces (at least up here in No.Cal.) are lower than the surrounding grade. Water can penetrate into this area if exterior drainage is not adequately addressed. Older homes can have long lasting pesticides (Chlordane (sp?), DDT etc.) in the soil. Even mold, dirt etc. are not good to breathe in regularly, so a respirator is a good idea.

Rick Hurst · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 05:35 PM

This subject brings up a question. How long has it been since you've had a Tetanus shot. If you haven't had one in the last 10 yrs. its time for a booster considering all the hazards we come across.

Just a thought.

rick

ben jacks · #7 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Wingo

A home built in central Florida with a vented crawlspace that is clear of any debris, but is basically a retention area. The crawlspace is lower than surrounding grade. Other than creepy crawly things and gators, what are some potential health issues in this type of environment?

Older homes having 3-wire non-grounding to equipment in a heavily moist crawl space with a retention condition. Look for cabling hanging from joist or girders that have been disturbed and damaged. These situations can have leakage current into the soil and can kill. rbj

A.D. Miller · #8 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 06:31 AM

So then, two posts on this thread report crawl spaces below grade. What idiots would construct houses over sub-grade crawl spaces? Well, of course, it would be left and right coasters. Fringe lunatics all.