Whether it's a house you are purchasing or the one you live in, every owner should be aware of potential environmental hazards in their homes. The following is a short list of some common environmental hazards and how homeowners can protect themselves and their investment.
Lead Lead was once used in numerous products commonly used in residential structures. In 1978, the U.S. government banned lead-based paint from housing. Children under 7 are at greatest risk of lead poisoning.
Some common areas of the home, especially older ones, where lead may be found are: interior and exterior paint, soil around the exterior that contains dust from deteriorated paint, household dust that picks up lead from deteriorating paint, drinking water from lead pipes or lead solder in copper piping, and old furniture or toys that were painted with lead-based paint.
If you think you have lead exposure in your home, the following procedures are recommended:
● Wash children's hands anytime they come in contact with surfaces that may contain lead.
● Clean surfaces often that may contain lead.
● Clean up loose paint chips immediately.
● Keep children from chewing on painted surfaces.
● Use only cold water for drinking and run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking or using in cooking.For additional information on lead, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.
Asbestos A wonder material, asbestos has fibers that are extremely strong and will not burn. Unfortunately, we have discovered that exposure can cause several heath problems, including lung cancer and a lung deterioration called asbestosis.
Some materials that can contain asbestos are steam pipes; boilers and furnace ducts; resilient flooring tiles; cement sheets; millboard and paper; door gaskets, soundproofing or decorative material; patching and joint compounds; asbestos cement roofing or siding shingles; and artificial ashes and embers in fireplaces.
If you think there is asbestos in your home, the best procedure is to leave it alone. When disturbed, the asbestos fibers may be released into the air where you can breathe them in. You can hire a professional asbestos contractor to inspect and take samples for you.
For additional information, visit the Web site for the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov or call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Radon The natural breakdown of uranium in the soil results in a radioactive gas called radon. The EPA has determined that exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind only cigarette smoking.
Radon has been found in homes in every state in the nation. According to the EPA's map of radon zones, the four Georgia counties with high potential for elevated radon levels are Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb and Gwinnett, but this does not mean they are the only counties in which radon may be found.
To determine the radon levels in your home, you can purchase canisters from a home improvement store, hire a radon testing professional or order test kits from the National Safety Council by calling its help line at 1-800-557-2366. Typically, tests by a professional will cost between $200 and $300.
For more information, visit the EPA Web site at www.epa.gov/radon.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
