Homeowners
Indoor pollution in homes can take many forms. Most homeowners are not aware that there home can have environmental hazards. Unfortunately most people don't become aware of a problem until it is either effecting the health of an occupant, the real estate value of a home or the hazard is destroying the building integrity. At Safe Environments we have inspected over a thousand homes. Following are the major categories of indoor environmental hazards the homeowner need to be aware of:
- Mold and sewage contamination from floods, water intrusion or poor ventilation
- Carbon monoxide, from improper exhausting of combustion source, i.e.: defective furnaces, unvented gas stoves, water heaters
- Volatile organic compounds: Outgassing of chemicals from new building materials such as carpets, paints, structural materials, and furnishings
- Lead: Lead was used in paints up to 1970, and can be found in soils around home and in deteriorating paints. Lead dust can also be generated during remodeling of a house.
- Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas in certain soils which can come into a house.
- Chlorinated Pesticides: Certain pesticides can have a half life of 30 years. We have found very high levels of these pesticides in crawlspaces of older homes.
- Asbestos is a hazard that can be found in pre 1970 homes. It is commonly found in pre-1980 "popcorn' ceilings and in insulation of duct systems.
- Excessive dust: Improper housekeeping or poor ventilation can cause the buildup dust and dust mites. This a known cause of asthma in children.
The following can have an effect on real estate values:
- The presence of unabated mold problems from leaks or a flood
- Structural destruction from mold and dry-rot
- The presence of high tension lines
- The presence of lead paint
- The presence of unabated radon gas
Improper disclosure or an attempt to conceal any of the above environmental hazards can backfire on sellers and cause expensive lawsuits. It is important that homeowners become aware of these hazards and learn how to prevent them from creating problems in the future as well as correcting any that are present now.
Articles for the Homeowner
Do Young Children Live Dangerously?
No one would ever consider giving an infant a known poison but many parent inadvertently poison their child by exposing them to toxic chemicals in the indoor air that they live in. A baby or infant is the most vulnerable individual to environmental hazards... (more information)
Do's and Don'ts in Remediation of Flood Damage
Key points to remember as you approach the damaged area.
After the Flood
Molds and other microbes start growing on water damaged materials within 48 hours after flood waters have receded. Molds can amplify in large numbers behind wall cavities, hidden from view and in other places where moisture remains. These molds can cause health problems, occasionally serious ones. If properly remediated right after the waters recede these health risks can be avoided along with the cost of future remediation. (more information)