Is Efflorescence Dangerous?

Every year, more and more homeowners across the country are waterproofing their homes because they understand the risks of having a humid basement. Things that were simple annoyances, such as humidity and mold, are now better understood to be health risks. 

Because efflorescence also occurs due to water, you might be wondering if it’s just as dangerous as mold. Efflorescence does not cause the same health problems mold does, but it does indicate a larger problem. 

• Why It Isn’t Dangerous  

Efflorescence isn’t dangerous because it doesn’t cause the same health issues mold does. It also doesn’t eat away at other materials like mold does with wood. Mold growth can be a much bigger problem than efflorescence because of how difficult it is to get rid of. Mold is a microorganism that tries its best to survive and grow, so it can withstand a lot. Its persistence is part of what makes it so difficult to manage. 

On the other hand, even if there is a moisture problem in your basement, it could take years before the salts rise in your concrete. Efflorescence is easy to remove, and replacing the structure is unnecessary once the stain is taken care of. 

• How It Can Be Dangerous 

Although there are no health risks associated with efflorescence, it can cause the deterioration of your concrete. As the water displaces the salt, it clogs up the pores in the concrete. Because of this, any remaining moisture in the concrete is unable to escape. Not only does this contribute to the humidity in your basement, but it also spells trouble during winter. 

Because of the freeze-thaw effect, the water in the concrete will freeze and expand, causing concrete pitting. Concrete pitting typically only affects the surface of the concrete, but because the moisture is trapped inside due to the efflorescence, the internal structure is affected. In northern states like Minnesota and North Dakota (where the temperature can go below 40), this is a big issue.