MOLD
1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
a. venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;
b. using air conditioners and de-humidifiers;
c. increasing ventilation;
d. and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Mold caused by dampness
RADON
The National Academy of Sciences estimates that radon causes 15,400–21,800 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VI (BEIR VI) Report, which is to date, the most extensive and thorough study of health effects attributed to radon exposure and its decay products. The following are key pieces of information from the BEIR VI Radon Report.
The NAS estimates that radon causes 15,400–21,800 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S.
- Elevated levels of radon have been discovered in homes in every state.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General recommend testing homes for high levels of indoor radon.
- The average indoor radon level in U.S. homes is 1.3 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
- More than 1 million homes in the U.S. have radon levels above 8 pCi/L.
- More than 60,000 homes in the U.S. have radon levels above 20 pCi/L.
- Since 1988, more than 11 million homes have been tested; more than 300,000 homes have been corrected; and more than 1.3 million new homes have been built radon-resistant.
- The BEIR VI Report found that even very small exposures to radon can result in lung cancer. In fact, the NAS concluded that no evidence exists that shows a threshold of exposure below which radon levels are harmless.
- The BEIR VI Report concludes that many smokers will get lung cancer from exposure to radon, which exacerbates the effects of smoking.
- Committed to protecting the public’s health, the EPA has in place a voluntary program to locate homes with high levels of radon.
- There is no question that if you quit smoking, you will reduce your risk of lung cancer. But reducing radon exposure is another confirmed way to reduce lung cancer risk.
LEAD
Did you know the following facts about lead?
FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.
FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.
FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.
If you think your home might have lead hazards, protect your family by having your home inspected.
Possible Lead Paint Chips | 
