Damp basements, while dangerous to possessions and the structure itself, can also be dangerous to personal health. One of the problems of a damp basement is the propagation of mold. Mold causes asthma, allergies, congestion, and infection. To prevent this problem from harming anyone in your household, simple steps can be taken. High levels of humidity is a perfect environment for spreading mold, so using a dehumidifier may help this issue. Keeping basements free of clutter allows maximum ventilation of air, and reduces congestion. Mold propagates in dark environments, and can easily grow on objects blocking the free flow of air, such as clothing. Standing water in basements also causes mold, so make sure to clean up any leaks or spills expeditiously.