What are you breathing?
That is a great question we should be asking ourselves. In our daily lives we all face a variety of health risks. Whether you are driving in a car, flying on a plane, or spending time at home; you are being exposed to environmental pollutants that pose varying degrees of risk. Some of these risks are unavoidable. However, indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something about.
Some of the most common pollutants in a typical home are:
• Mold spores
• Radon Gas
• Off gassing of chemicals
• Disruption of hazardous materials present in the home
What can be done to improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
To control mold, you must control moisture in your home. Make repairs to any areas that are allowing moisture to enter the home. It is important to totally dry water damaged areas within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Obviously you cannot prevent all moisture from getting in, but you can provide adequate ventilation in those areas. If mold is a problem in your home, get rid of excess water or moisture and then clean up the mold.
Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims an estimated 20,000 lives annually. The first step is to have your home tested for elevated levels of Radon. If the levels in your home are above 4 picocuries per liter of air, make arrangements to have a radon mitigation system installed in your home.
Off gassing is the release of synthetic compounds used in a variety of common products. The best way to avoid off gassing is to avoid the products that are
likely to give off gas. If that is not possible, regular air movement and proper ventilation can aid in keeping the effects to a minimum.
Most hazardous building materials, including asbestos and lead paint, become a risk when they are disturbed. If there is any question at all if your house contains either of those materials, please have it tested prior to doing anything that may disturb them.
If you have any comments or questions about today’s blog or any other topic relevant to home maintenance, feel free to call our office at 847 669 9040. Thanks for visiting!
David Novalinski Sr
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
