RADON is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally and is found everywhere at very 16w levels. Radon is of concern only when concentrations build up in indoor air. Radon exposure has been rated the leading cause of lung cancer. The most common source of indoor radon is uranium in the soil or rock on which homes are built. Radon is produced by the normal decay of uranium and radium. Radon gas enters homes through dirt floors, cracks in concrete walls and floors, floor drains and sumps. A second entry route for radon in some
areas is through well water. In some unusual situations, houses are made of radon-containing construction materials (stone, adobe, and brick).
Studies by the EPA indicate that as many as 10 percent of all American homes may have elevated levels of radon although ANY home can have a radon problem. Radon can only be detected by the use of measurement devices. Certain types are sometimes available at local hardware stores. The EPA recommends that you select a qualified contractor (some states require a license) to test for radon and design and implement a radon mitigation plan.
ASBESTOS is a mineral fiber formerly used in a variety of building materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Today asbestos is most commonly found in older homes in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.
Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding, or other remodeling activities. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes.
The most dangerous asbestos fibers are too small to be visible. Asbestos can cause lung cancer and asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal). Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years following exposure, and usually require exposure to elevated concentrations.
If you think you have asbestos-containing material in your home, contact your state health department for more information. Do not cut, rip, or sand asbestos-containing materials. When you remove or clean up asbestos, use a professional trained contractor.
LEAD has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant. Humans are exposed to lead, air, drinking water, food, and contaminated soil and dust. Airborne lead enters the body when the individual breathes lead particles or swallows lead dust once it has settled.
Lead is capable of causing serious damage to the brain, kidneys, peripheral nervous system, and red blood cells. Fetuses, infants, and children are more vulnerable to the effects of lead, since it is more easily absorbed into growing bodies, and the tissues of small children are more sensitive to the damaging effects.
If you suspect that paint in your home contains lead, have it tested. Many homes built before
1960 may have lead-based paint. You should leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition and there is little likelihood that it will be eaten by children - do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead. Consult your state health department for suggestions on private laboratories or contractors able to help test your home for lead-based paint.
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS, "biologicals", include bacteria, mold and mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches and pollen. Some biological contaminants trigger allergic, reactions, some transmit infectious illnesses, and some molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. There are many sources for these pollutants.
By controlling moisture and relative humidity levels in a home, the growth of biologicals can be minimized. Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces can serve as a breeding ground for molds and bacteria.
CARBON MONOXIDE is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Its sources can be unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; down drafting from wood stoves and fireplaces; gas stoves; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and environmental tobacco smoke.
At low concentrations, it can cause fatigue in healthy people and episodes of increased chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. At higher concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion and disorientation. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning. At very high concentrations carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death. Infants, pregnant women, and the elderly can be especially sensitive to the effects.
