Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas.
It is a proven carcinogen and ranks second only to cigarette smoking as a cause of lung cancer.
If you have a radon problem, it is usually easy and inexpensive to abate.
There are a number of radon sampling devices that you can buy, or you can have a professional company conduct tests.
Radon is measured in pico Curies per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends that remedial action be taken when a residence exceeds a radon level of four pCi/L.
Asbestos
Many older homes have asbestos insulation in walls and
ceilings, wrapped around hot water pipes or in exterior shingles.
Is it dangerous?
If you suspect there may be asbestos in your home, you should
have a professional inspection. Generally, asbestos is considered
a health hazard when the material is friable, that is,
when it crumbles, releasing tiny fibers into the air.
Removal of asbestos can be an expensive process and must be
conducted by trained and certified professionals. But the
presence of asbestos may not be a health hazard, and in some
cases, an asbestos hazard can be isolated without removal.
Lead-based Paints
Approximately three-quarters of the housing in the United
States built before 1978 (about 64 million dwellings) contain
lea-based paint. When properly maintained and managed, this
paint possesses little risk. However, 1.7 million children have
blood-lead levels above safe limits, mostly due to exposure to
lead-based paint hazards at home.
Affects brain
Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to the brain and create
reduced intelligence and behavioral problems. Lead also can
damage other organs and can cause abnormal fetal development in
pregnant women. People can get lead in their bodies by breathing
or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with
lead in them.
Often found in pre-1978 housing
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction ACT of 1992
directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure people
receive information needed to protect themselves from lead-based
paint hazards.
New rule this fall (2007)
Beginning this fall most home buyers and renters will receive
information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards when
they buy or rent housing built before 1978. Some housing, such as
efficiency apartments, dormitories, vacation rentals, adult
housing and foreclosure sales are not covered.
Under the rule, sellers, landlords, and their agents will be
responsible for providing information to buyers or renters before
a sale or lease.
Home buyers will have 10 days to conduct a lead-based paint
inspection or risk assessment at their own expense. The rule
gives the two parties flexibility to negotiate key terms of the
evaluation.
The new rule does not require any testing or removal of
lead-based paint by sellers or landlords and does not invalidate
leasing and sales contracts.
Pamphlet available
For a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency pamphlet, Protect
Your Family from Lead in Your Home, sample disclosure forms,
or the rule itself, call the (NLIC) at (800) 424-5323, or TDD
(800) 526-5456 for the hearing impaired. You may also send your
request by fax to (202) 659-1192 or by e-mail to ehc@cais.com. The also
are available electronically and may be accessed through the
Internet.
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