As a general contractor and home inspector for many year it is fascinating to experience new things. I just finished and article on efflorescence was enlighten as to how efflorescence comes about. The idea that capillary action or the of wicking of moisture from the ground through concrete slabs to walls. As builder I can do a better job preventing this and as a home inspector give clients a more informed explanation of the efflorescence process. Furthermore as mold re mediator and access-or help customers that believe efflorescence is mold.
The library has a good article on the subject. I enjoyed reading it. I did not realize that the pressure of osmosis were so great.
In Florida this condition occurs all the time.