Homes often full of hazards

By Ken Berzof
Gannett News Service

Mold, dust and pollen can accumulate in air-conditioning ducts, causing allergy problems. Photos by Michael Hayman • Gannett News Service

Experts recommend having air ducts cleaned about every five to 10 years. Carpets and drapes should be cleaned yearly.

It might also be a breeding ground for other types of health risks, from allergens to asbestos to radon.

Modern homes are being built for greater energy efficiency, and in many cases, that means they are sealed up tight. "But that created a bubble — every pollutant stayed in the home," says Richard Wellinghurst, a hazardous-materials coordinator for the Louisville, Ky., Metro Health Department.

Some health hazards aren't serious, but others may need immediate attention. Here is a sampling.

Air pollution

Dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander and other airborne contaminants can lead to respiratory illnesses such as allergies, says Daryl Bailey, carpet technician for a home-cleaning company.

"Every time the furnace or air conditioner runs, over time, these contaminants in ductwork can help make the system an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew and other microbes," he says.

About every five or 10 years, a home's air ducts should be cleaned, he says, while rugs, upholstery, drapes and blinds should be thoroughly cleaned at least annually.

Mold

Excessive moisture or water that accumulates indoors will support mold growth, which over time can lead to allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments.

"Houses today are built so tight that it keeps moisture in," says home inspector Ralph Wirth. You can recognize it as some black and gray fuzzy material usually on baseboards or walls, normally in bathrooms and basements.

Wellinghurst said mold "is a definite concern ... but just because you see some mold and mildew it doesn't mean it's threatening your life. Maybe you just need to clean your bathroom."

The key to controlling mold, experts say, is to control moisture. Keep inside humidity low and fix any cracks in walls where there's been water damage. In some cases, mold found on hard surfaces can be washed off with detergent and water.

Carbon monoxide

This odorless gas can affect your breathing and be fatal.

Sources, Wellinghurst says, include gas appliances, fireplaces and garages, "wherever you're burning a fuel. If you have an all-electric house, carbon monoxide is not a threat."

To be safe, he says, don't leave an automobile running inside a garage with the doors closed. Those who have fireplace chimney vents should make sure they are working properly; and install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms or family rooms.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that if any family member is experiencing signs of poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness — or if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off or if you suspect presence of the gas — get out of the house immediately and seek medical attention. If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of carbon monoxide and have a qualified technician inspect your house.

Lead poisoning

Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of containing lead-based paint, says health educator Candice Malone.

Children exposed to lead can suffer brain damage, behavioral problems and slower growth, among other things, while adults could encounter difficulty in pregnancy and high blood pressure.

"You can't get lead poisoning merely by touching paint," Malone says. "It has to be damaged — peeling, flaky or chipped."

She recommends children be tested by a physician for lead poisoning at age 1 or 2, and if never tested as infants, between the ages of 3 and 6.

Keep dust to a minimum, and give children a low-fat diet high in calcium and iron.

Local health officials may test paint chips for free. Heed these tips: Doors or windows that cause excess friction of painted surfaces should be repaired; lead paint itself should be removed by a professional; and horizontal surfaces should be washed regularly to prevent dust from accumulating.

Asbestos

This mineral substance was used for many years as a binding material, but when asbestos becomes damaged and fibers get loose in the air, long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer.

"It's not dangerous if you leave it alone," Wirth says.

"When you try to remove it and create dust, then it can cause problems."

Wellinghurst says the risk is greater in the workplace, but not so much in homes built after the mid-1970s.

A few tips for a healthier house

• Keep fresh air flowing through all rooms.
• Don't smoke.
• Test for invisible hazards, such as carbon monoxide.
• Use filters for your air-conditioning systems, and keep them working properly.
• Keep humidity levels in the 40 percent to 60 percent range. Use a dehumidifier.
• Don't keep a car running in a closed garage.
• Vacuum at least once a week to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Consider getting a professional home inspection to uncover potential problems.

On the Web:

• www.aaaai.org, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
• www.epa.gov, Environmental Protection Agency.
• www.lungusa.org, American Lung Association.
• www.hud.gov/healthyhomes, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.