The World Health Organization (WHO) has significantly lowered their guidelines on how much radon is permissible in homes without leading to adverse health effects. Their new "Handbook on Indoor Radon" issued September 22 called for public health authorities and the construction industry to reduce exposures to radon, calling it a "major and growing public health threat in homes". Radon is widely considered to be a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking.
What is Radon?
Radon is a gaseous radioactive element that people cannot see, smell or taste. It occurs naturally through the decay of uranium in the soil. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the average home indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Radon is most common in homes with basements, where it seeps in from the soil and through the walls. However, many homes without basements also have radon problems. The amount of radon that escapes from the soil into the home can depend on the soil composition, soil moisture, and building construction. In some cases, radon enters the home through well water.
How Much Radon is Acceptable?
The EPA's recommended exposure level is 4 pCi/L, which has been their standard for 40 years. WHO's new standard is more restrictive, only allowing for 2.7 pCi/L. WHO strongly emphasizes the importance of radon testing by all home owners or buyers looking to purchase a home. WHO studies indicate that most radon induced lung cancers occur from exposure to low and medium doses of radon in residential structures.
Should You Be Concerned About Granite Countertops?
Some people attribute a rise in radon to the widespread use of granite in today's home. The EPA believes the principal source of radon in homes is from the soil in contact with basement floors and walls. While natural rocks such as granite may emit radiation and radon gas, the levels attributable to such sources are not typically high.
What Are the Health Effects of Radon?
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon.
For additional information on radon in North Carolina, contact the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources NC Radon Program at http://www.ncradon.org/.
Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
What Does Chinese Drywall Have To Do With Mold?
This fall, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has confirmed that over 6.2 million sheets of Chinese drywall have been imported into the United States during the past five years. The actual numbers are certain to be much higher. Although some of the sheetrock is clearly marked "Made in China", other shipments may contain no markings at all. Chinese drywall has been distributed all over the country, but the majority of the product has been found in Florida and Louisiana.
Signs and Symptoms
The Chinese drywall in question contains sulfur, which is not present in wallboard produced in the U.S. In addition, the CPSC found that the Chinese product contained compounds normally found in acrylic paints and 10 times more Stontium (an alkaline earth metal that turns yellow when exposed to air) than American drywall. Residents with Chinese drywall complained of rotten egg smells throughout their homes and reported such health problems as asthma, headaches, coughing, and insomnia.
Where Damage Occurs
The sulfur, increased Strontium levels, and other compounds in the Chinese drywall have led to failures of air conditioning coils, corrosion of electrical wiring, and corrosion of plumbing fixtures - particularly copper pipes and fittings.
Resulting Mold Issues
When corrosion of HVAC system components, plumbing systems, or electrical wiring occurs, this can result in failure of that system. Back-up of condensation and leaks are common with system failures and can result in water or moisture intrusion into the home. In turn, this leads to an increased potential for fungal growth inside the home, particularly when the water or moisture intrusion goes undetected for some period of time.
If You Suspect Chinese Drywall In Your Home
It is difficult to performs inspections or testing that positively identify where Chinese drywall is present in a home. Some disassembly of walls is required, and then positive identification is still not always possible. A special coalition has been formed in Florida to help builders, contractors, and home owners deal with the removal of Chinese drywall. For more information on the coalition and their guidance, go to www.chinesedrywallprotocol.org.
Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.
Signs and Symptoms
The Chinese drywall in question contains sulfur, which is not present in wallboard produced in the U.S. In addition, the CPSC found that the Chinese product contained compounds normally found in acrylic paints and 10 times more Stontium (an alkaline earth metal that turns yellow when exposed to air) than American drywall. Residents with Chinese drywall complained of rotten egg smells throughout their homes and reported such health problems as asthma, headaches, coughing, and insomnia.
Where Damage Occurs
The sulfur, increased Strontium levels, and other compounds in the Chinese drywall have led to failures of air conditioning coils, corrosion of electrical wiring, and corrosion of plumbing fixtures - particularly copper pipes and fittings.
Resulting Mold Issues
When corrosion of HVAC system components, plumbing systems, or electrical wiring occurs, this can result in failure of that system. Back-up of condensation and leaks are common with system failures and can result in water or moisture intrusion into the home. In turn, this leads to an increased potential for fungal growth inside the home, particularly when the water or moisture intrusion goes undetected for some period of time.
If You Suspect Chinese Drywall In Your Home
It is difficult to performs inspections or testing that positively identify where Chinese drywall is present in a home. Some disassembly of walls is required, and then positive identification is still not always possible. A special coalition has been formed in Florida to help builders, contractors, and home owners deal with the removal of Chinese drywall. For more information on the coalition and their guidance, go to www.chinesedrywallprotocol.org.
Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.
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