Mold takes hold in Metro Detroit basements after floods, sewage backups

June 3, 2026

Increased flooding in Southeast Michigan over the past decade has led to widespread mold problems in homes, particularly after major flood events in 2021 and 2023. Mold can begin growing within 48-72 hours after water exposure and causes respiratory health issues, especially for people with asthma or compromised immune systems. Many Detroit residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, struggle to afford professional remediation services that can cost thousands of dollars, forcing them to attempt cleanup themselves with bleach despite health risks.

Who is affected

Detroit homeowners and renters, particularly those in flood-prone areas
E'True Bryant, a Detroit east side resident dealing with basement mold since the June 2021 flood
Donnelda Thompson, who spent over $11,000 from her 401(k) on waterproofing
Thompson's son who is on dialysis
Detroit's senior population (nearly one-fifth of residents over 65, with nearly half spending at least 30% of income on housing)
Low-income homeowners who cannot afford professional remediation
People with asthma, COPD, or compromised immune systems
Approximately 66,000 Detroit residents who applied for FEMA assistance after the 2021 flood (just over half received aid)
45% of households assessed by the Detroit Home Repair Fund that had mold
Nearly 180 homes that received mold remediation through the Detroit Home Repair Fund

What action is being taken

David Schlum of EnviroHealth Diagnostics and Mr. Mold is conducting mold inspections using moisture readings, thermal cameras, swab testing, and air samples
Gary Ringer's Eco-Environmental Solutions is conducting air quality monitoring, home assessments, and remediation services in Detroit
The Detroit Home Repair Fund is assisting low-income homeowners with critical repairs including mold remediation
The city's Basement Backup Protection Program is installing sump pumps, backwater valves, and disconnecting downspouts in flood-prone neighborhoods
E'True Bryant is working with After the Storm, a faith-based disaster case management organization, for basement remediation assistance
Organizations are sampling mold and sending samples to certified labs for analysis

Why it matters

This issue matters because mold exposure causes serious respiratory health problems that disproportionately affect Detroit's most vulnerable populations, including seniors, low-income residents, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The lack of state regulation or certification for mold remediation contractors means residents may receive inadequate service from underqualified professionals. With most Detroit housing built before 1980 and nearly half of senior residents spending at least 30% of income on housing, unexpected remediation costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars create financial instability and force residents to choose between their health and economic survival. The increasing frequency of flooding due to climate change means this problem will likely worsen without systematic intervention, and the current patchwork of assistance programs leaves significant gaps in coverage that perpetuate health inequities in already marginalized communities.

What's next

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib's "Fix Our Flooded Basements" bill, which would expand FEMA assistance eligibility and coverage for basement damage and mold mitigation, has been referred to two House committees and one subcommittee (no action taken since introduction last summer)
The city of Detroit will use $441 million in HUD disaster recovery funds to address unmet needs from the 2021 and 2023 storms, including funding basement mold remediation through the Private Sewer Repair Program on a "case-by-case basis"
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative and other organizations are working to address root causes of moisture buildup rather than just treating mold symptoms

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com