Potential health risks
exist in every home. It is important to take
time to identify and address them.
Asbestos
Homes built before the late 1970s may include
building products and insulation made with
asbestos. Most products made today do not contain
asbestos. Those that do are required to be
labeled as such.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) reports that asbestos poses no danger
unless fibers are disturbed, causing them
to be released and inhaled. However, breathing
appreciable levels of asbestos fibers may
lead to respiratory problems and mesothelioma,
a cancerous disease.
A licensed asbestos inspector can identify
asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your
home. The inspector can provide guidance
on proper management of these materials and
make recommendations for removal if necessary.
Avoid Unhealthy Exposure
- Leave asbestos-containing materials alone
(such as insulation on piping and exterior
wall shingles). Do not saw, sand, scrape,
alter or remove them.
- Check asbestos-containing materials regularly
for damage.
- Do not touch or disturb damaged asbestos-containing
materials. Limit access to the area. Hire
a professional to remove it quickly.
- Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that
may contain asbestos.
- Hire professionals when remodeling areas
with asbestos-containing materials.
Improper repair or removal of asbestos materials
will increase health risks to you and your
family. Any repair or removal, even if minor,
is best performed by a professional trained
and licensed to handle asbestos appropriately.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of
death by poisoning in the United States. This
invisible, odorless gas may be released into
the home by faulty fuel-burning furnaces, ovens,
water heaters, space heaters, wood stoves,
fireplaces or other heating systems.
Protect Your Family
- Become familiar with symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning, which includes headaches,
dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on
each level of your home and outside each
bedroom. If you suspect a carbon monoxide
leak in your home, ventilate or evacuate
it immediately, and call the fire department.
- Test carbon monoxide detectors according
to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure all fuel-burning appliances
and equipment are properly installed, maintained,
regulated and operated.
- During a power outage, do not use charcoal
grills or gas generators indoors.
Lead
Nearly 1 million American children under 6
years old suffer from lead poisoning, which
can cause anemia, behavioral problems, learning
difficulties, brain damage and in severe cases,
death. In adults, lead poisoning can cause
reproductive problems, high blood pressure,
muscle and joint pain and memory loss. It occurs
most often when lead dust from peeling or damaged
paint is inhaled or ingested.
The risk of lead poisoning is greatest in
homes built before 1978, which may have lead
paint on the interior or exterior. In addition,
some imported items — such as furniture,
porcelain bathroom fixtures and ceramics — may
contain leadbased finishes. These homes may
also have water systems that contain lead
piping.
Protect Your Family
- Keep paint in good condition by checking
it often and fixing problems quickly.
- Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces and
wash children’s hands, pacifiers and toys
frequently.
- Make sure children eat nutritious meals
high in iron and calcium. Children with
good diets are less prone to lead poisoning.
- If you live in an older home or suspect
that lead may be a problem for your family,
ask your physician to test family members for
lead during routine examinations.
- If you suspect that your home contains
lead-based paints or lead-soldered water
lines, have it inspected by a licensed
environmental professional; he can provide
guidance on managing these materials and
make recommendations for removal if necessary.
Natural Gas
Never enter a home if you can detect an odor
that smells like rotten eggs. You may have
a gas leak. Leave the home if you smell this
odor. Do not turn on electrical switches.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas found in nearly
all soils. According to the EPA, radon in indoor
air is the second leading cause of lung cancer
in the United States. The U.S. Surgeon General
recommends that every home be tested for radon.
If your home contains a high level of radon,
the EPA recommends hiring a qualified contractor
with the technical knowledge to reduce it
safely.
Test For Radon
- Use a do-it-yourself test kit; look for
one that displays the phrase "meets
EPA requirements."
- You can also hire a state-certified professional
to conduct radon testing.
Mold
Molds exist in almost every environment but
grow and spread in warm, humid conditions.
In homes, molds can be found in damp areas
such as showers, water heater closets, inside
walls and attics or basements. Excessive growth
may occur where extreme humidity or water emergencies — such
as flooding, burst pipes or leaks — have been
a problem.
When present, mold may be a health concern
for allergy or asthma sufferers or individuals
with respiratory illness.
Keep Mold From Spreading
- Investigate your home for common sources
of residential water damage. When water-related
problems are found, have them corrected immediately;
also, consider hiring an experienced professional
to evaluate whether mold growth is present.
- Make sure wet or damp areas are dried within
24 to 48 hours of a leak or spill.
- Keep the humidity level below 50 percent — use
exhaust fans, air conditioners and dehumidifiers
as needed. You can measure indoor humidity
with an inexpensive moisture or humidity
meter, available at most hardware stores.
- Use mold-killing products to clean areas
where mold might grow.
- If you suspect a hidden mold problem in
your home, consider hiring an experienced
professional to investigate.
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