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Mold and Radon
A Brief
Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
Mold
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part
in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves
and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds
reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the
naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin
growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There
are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or
moisture.
Molds have the potential to cause health problems, Molds produce
allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions),
irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances
(mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause
allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include
hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and
skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can
be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people
with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can
irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic
and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling
mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.
Have your home tested for mold and then provide the results to your health care professional.
Radon
Radon
is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can't see, smell
or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's
health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims
about 20,000 lives annually.
Heed the Surgeon General's
Warning: Test Your Home
EPA has released a Public Service media
campaign for radon. The campaign features the U.S. Surgeon General's
warning that radon causes lung cancer and that you should test your
home. These TV, radio and Spanish.
Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-Smokers and Smokers Alike.
Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely
deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness
about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked.
Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung
cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one
of the lowest of those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between
11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years,
depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be
prevented; this is especially true for radon.
Test Your Home for Radon - It's Easy and Inexpensive
The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend
that all homes be tested. Read about radon health risks. You can test
your home yourself or hire a professional. Fix your home if you have a
radon level of 4pCi/L or more.
Radon preventive actions have saved an estimated 6,000 lives in the
last 20 years. EPA has a goal to double that number to 12,000 lives
saved in the next five years. All Americans can contribute to saving
someone's life by testing and reducing high levels in existing homes or
testing and building radon-resistant new homes. Contact Inspection
Contractors for a radon inspection today.
Source: EPA
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