Atlanta's Asthma: Damp Crawlspaces Crashing Youth Lungs?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 5, 2026

Imagine your child is constantly coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe. You’ve tried everything – allergy medications, nebulizers, even moving furniture around. But the symptoms persist. The culprit might be lurking right beneath your feet: a damp, moldy crawlspace. For Atlanta parents, this is a very real, and often overlooked, threat to their children’s respiratory health.

Atlanta’s humid climate and clay-rich soil create the perfect breeding ground for moisture problems in crawlspaces. This moisture, in turn, fosters mold growth, releasing spores into the air that can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues, especially in vulnerable children. This isn’t just about a musty smell; it’s about your child’s well-being.

Let’s get practical. The first step is identifying if you even have a problem. Don’t rely on a professional just yet; you can do a preliminary inspection yourself.

Grab a flashlight and, if you have one, a moisture meter (available at most hardware stores like Home Depot in Buckhead). Head to your crawlspace access point. This is often located outside the house, sometimes under a porch or deck.

Before you even open the access, take a deep breath. Does the air smell musty or earthy? That’s a red flag.

Once inside (or peering in), look for these telltale signs:

• Standing water: This is the most obvious sign. Even small puddles indicate a drainage problem. Atlanta’s heavy rains can easily overwhelm inadequate drainage systems.
• Visible mold: Look for discoloration on wood, concrete, or insulation. Mold can be black, green, white, or even orange. Pay close attention to areas near vents or where pipes enter the crawlspace.
• Condensation: Are the pipes or walls damp? This indicates high humidity.
• Wood rot: Soft, crumbling wood is a sign of fungal decay, often caused by prolonged moisture exposure. Probe suspect areas with a screwdriver; if it sinks in easily, the wood is rotting.
• Insect infestation: Termites and other pests thrive in damp environments. Look for signs of their presence, such as mud tubes or wood shavings.
• Efflorescence: This is a white, powdery deposit on concrete or brick, indicating water is seeping through the foundation.

Use your moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Anything above 20% is considered too high and conducive to mold growth.

Specific to Atlanta, be on the lookout for Stachybotrys chartarum, often called “black mold.” It’s a greenish-black mold that thrives in cellulose-rich materials like drywall and wood that have been water-damaged. While all molds can trigger allergic reactions, Stachybotrys is particularly concerning due to its potential to produce mycotoxins. If you suspect black mold, do not disturb it. Contact a professional mold remediation company immediately.

Now, let’s talk remediation. If you’ve found evidence of moisture, you need to address the source. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Identify the source of the moisture: Is it a leaky pipe? Poor drainage? Groundwater seepage? Fix the underlying problem first. For example, if your gutters are clogged, clean them out to ensure rainwater is directed away from the foundation.
2. Improve drainage: Ensure your yard slopes away from the foundation. Consider installing French drains or a sump pump to remove excess water. Atlanta’s clay soil doesn’t drain well, so proper drainage is crucial.
3. Seal vents: In the summer, open crawlspace vents allow humid air to enter, which can condense on cool surfaces and create moisture. Consider sealing the vents and installing a dehumidifier.
4. Install a vapor barrier: This is a plastic sheet that covers the ground in the crawlspace, preventing moisture from evaporating into the air. Overlap the seams and tape them securely.
5. Insulate pipes: This prevents condensation from forming on cold pipes.
6. Consider crawlspace encapsulation: This involves sealing the entire crawlspace with a heavy-duty vapor barrier and insulating the walls. It’s the most effective way to control moisture, but also the most expensive.

A common mistake is simply treating the mold without addressing the underlying moisture problem. The mold will just come back. Another pitfall is using bleach to kill mold. Bleach only kills surface mold and doesn’t penetrate porous materials. It can also create a breeding ground for even more resistant mold.

If you suspect mold, especially Stachybotrys, hire a certified mold remediation company. They have the proper equipment and training to safely remove the mold and prevent it from spreading. Look for companies certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Now, let’s talk about financial assistance. Home repairs can be expensive, especially for low-income families. Fortunately, there are resources available in Fulton County:

• Fulton County Department of Community Development: They offer various housing assistance programs, including home repair grants for eligible homeowners. Check their website for current programs and eligibility requirements.
• Atlanta Habitat for Humanity: While primarily focused on building new homes, they sometimes offer home repair assistance to existing homeowners.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: This federal program provides funding to local governments for community development activities, including housing rehabilitation. Contact your local city government to see if they offer CDBG-funded home repair programs.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many organizations are dedicated to helping families maintain safe and healthy homes.

Here’s a real-world example: The Smith family in East Point noticed their daughter’s asthma was getting worse. After reading about crawlspace moisture, they inspected theirs and found standing water and mold. They contacted Fulton County’s Department of Community Development and qualified for a home repair grant. The grant covered the cost of installing a French drain, sealing the vents, and installing a vapor barrier. Within a few months, their daughter’s asthma symptoms improved significantly.

Another challenge is finding reliable contractors. Get multiple bids and check references. Ask about their experience with crawlspace remediation and their knowledge of Atlanta’s specific climate and soil conditions. Don’t just go with the cheapest option; prioritize quality and experience.

Finally, remember that preventing moisture problems is always easier and cheaper than fixing them. Regularly inspect your crawlspace, maintain your gutters, and ensure proper drainage. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in protecting your child’s health and your home’s value.

This isn’t just about fixing a damp crawlspace; it’s about creating a healthier home for your family. Take action today to protect your children from the harmful effects of mold and moisture. Your child’s breath, and your peace of mind, are worth it.