You can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled. Anyone who samples asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling, and at a minimum, should observe the following procedures:

Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done.
Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object. Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a 35 mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high quality zipper plastic bag).
Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to state and local procedures.
Label the container with an identification number and clearly state when and where the sample was taken.
Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release.
Send the sample to an EPA-approved laboratory for analysis. The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has a list of these laboratories. You can get this list from the Laboratory Accreditation Administration, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 (telephone 301-975-4016). Your state or local health department may also be able to help.

How To Manage An Asbestos Problem ?

If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If it is a problem, there are two types of corrections: repair and removal.

REPAIR usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material.

Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation can sometimes be repaired this way. This should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely.

Covering (enclosure) involves placing something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket.

With any type of repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair is usually cheaper than removal, but it

may make later removal of asbestos, if necessary, more difficult and costly. Repairs can either be major or minor.

Asbestos Do's And Don'ts For The Homeowner

Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
Don't use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.
Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floorcovering over it, if possible.
Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.

Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos.

Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed.

Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed. If you nevertheless choose to do minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before doing anything. Contact your state or local health department or regional EPA office for information about asbestos training programs in your area. Your local school district may also have information about asbestos professionals and training programs for school buildings. Even if you have completed a training program, do not try anything more than minor repairs. Before undertaking minor repairs, carefully examine the area around the damage to make sure it is stable. As a general matter, any damaged area which is bigger than the size of your hand is not a minor repair.

Before undertaking minor repairs, be sure to follow all the precautions described earlier for sampling asbestos material. Always wet the asbestos material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent. Commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas are available. Small areas of material such as pipe insulation can be covered by wrapping a special fabric, such as rewettable glass cloth, around it. These products are available from stores (listed in the telephone directory under Safety Equipment and Clothing") which specialize in asbestos materials and safety items.

REMOVAL is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.

Asbestos Professionals: Who Are They And What Can They Do?

Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.

Asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess its condition, and advise about what corrections are needed and who is qualified to make these corrections. Once again, material in good condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed. Professional correction or abatement contractors repair or remove asbestos materials.

Some firms offer combinations of testing, assessment, and correction. A professional hired to assess the need for corrective action should not be connected with an asbestos-correction firm. It is better to use two different firms so there is no conflict of interest. Services vary from one area to another around the country.

The federal government has training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some state and local governments also have or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area.

If you have a problem that requires the services of asbestos professionals, check their credentials carefully. Hire professionals who are trained, experienced, reputable, and accredited - especially if accreditation is required by state or local laws. Before hiring a professional, ask for references from previous clients. Find out if they were satisfied. Ask whether the professional has handled similar situations. Get cost estimates from several professionals, as the charges for these services can vary.

Though private homes are usually not covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to schools and public buildings, professionals should still use procedures described during federal or state-approved training. Homeowners should be alert to the chance of misleading claims by asbestos consultants and contractors. There have been reports of firms incorrectly claiming that asbestos materials in homes must be replaced. In other cases, firms have encouraged unnecessary removals or performed them improperly. Unnecessary removals are a waste of money. Improper removals may actually increase the health risks to you and your family. To guard against this, know what services are available and what procedures and precautions are needed to do the job properly.

In addition to general asbestos contractors, you may select a roofing, flooring, or plumbing contractor trained to handle asbestos when it is necessary to remove and replace roofing, flooring, siding, or asbestos-cement pipe that is part of a water system. Normally, roofing and flooring contractors are exempt from state and local licensing requirements because they do not perform any other asbestos-correction work. Call 1-800-USA-ROOF for names of qualified roofing contractors in your area.

Asbestos-containing automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings, and gaskets should be repaired and replaced only by a professional using special protective equipment. Many of these products are now available without asbestos. For more information, read "Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics," available from regional EPA offices.

If You Hire A Professional Asbestos Inspector

Make sure that the inspection will include a complete visual examination and the careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.

Make sure an inspecting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The inspector may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure the area has been properly cleaned.

If You Hire A Corrective-Action Contractor

Check with your local air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against it.

Insist that the contractor use the proper equipment to do the job. The workers must wear approved respirators, gloves, and other protective clothing.

Before work begins, get a written contract specifying the work plan, cleanup, and the applicable federal, state, and local regulations which the contractor must follow (such as notification requirements and asbestos disposal procedures). Contact your state and local health departments, EPA's regional office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's regional office to find out what the regulations are. Be sure the contractor follows local asbestos removal and disposal laws. At the end of the job, get written assurance from the contractor that all procedures have been followed.

Assure that the contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of your home. They should seal the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and also turn off the heating and air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as pipe insulation removal, plastic glove bags may be adequate. They must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is complete.

Make sure the work site is clearly marked as a hazard area. Do not allow household members and pets into the area until work is completed.

Insist that the contractor apply a wetting agent to the asbestos material with a hand sprayer that creates a fine mist before removal. Wet fibers do not float in the air as easily as dry fibers and will be easier to clean up.

Make sure the contractor does not break removed material into small pieces. This could release asbestos fibers into the air. Pipe insulation was usually installed in preformed blocks and should be removed in complete pieces.

Upon completion, assure that the contractor cleans the area well with wet mops, wet rags, sponges, or HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners. A regular vacuum cleaner must never be used. Wetting helps reduce the chance of spreading asbestos fibers in the air. All asbestos materials and disposable equipment and clothing used in the job must be placed in sealed, leakproof, and labeled plastic bags. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris. Air monitoring (to make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) may be necessary to assure that the contractor's job is done properly. This should be done by someone not connected with the contractor.

Caution!

Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. These steps will disturb tiny asbestos fibers and may release them into the air. Remove dust by wet mopping or with a special HEPA vacuum cleaner used by trained asbestos contractors.

For more information

Contact your local American Lung Association for copies of:

Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheet - Asbestos
Air Pollution In Your Home?
Other publications on indoor pollution

For more information on asbestos in other consumer products, call the CPSC Hotline or write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207. The CPSC Hotline has information on certain appliances and products, such as the brands and models of hair dryers that contain asbestos. Call CPSC at 1-800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter (TTY) for the hearing impaired is available at 1-800-638-8270.

To find out whether your state has a training and certification program for asbestos removal contractors, and for information on EPA's asbestos programs, call the EPA at 202-554-1404.

For more information on asbestos identification and control activities, contact the Asbestos Coordinator in the EPA Regional Office for your region, or your state or local health department.

Lead

What Is It?

Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children.

Where Is It Found?

There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead: through deteriorating paint and dust, air, drinking water, food, and contaminated soil. Airborne lead enters the body when you breathe or swallow lead particles or dust once it has settled. Lead can leach into drinking water from certain types of plumbing materials (lead pipes, copper pipes with lead solder, and brass faucets) and can also be found on walls, woodwork, and the outside of your home in the form of lead-based paint. Lead can be deposited on floors, windowsills, eating and playing surfaces, or in the dirt outside the home. About two-thirds of the homes built before 1940, and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain lead-based paint. Some homes built after 1960 but before 1978 may also contain lead paint. Most paint made after 1978 contains no intentionally added lead, since it was banned from use on the interior and exterior of homes. Even though leaded gasoline is seldom used today, high levels of lead found in soil can be attributed to past emissions. Children can swallow harmful amounts of lead if they play in the dirt or in dusty areas (even indoors) and then put their fingers, clothes, or toys in their mouths, or if they eat without first washing their hands.

What Are the Health Effects?

Exposure to excessive levels of lead can cause brain damage; affect a child’s growth; damage kidneys; impair hearing; cause vomiting, headaches, and appetite loss; and cause learning and behavioral problems. In adults, lead can increase blood pressure and can cause digestive problems, kidney damage, nerve disorders, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain, and mood changes. Fetuses, infants, and children are more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults since lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies. Also, the tissues of small children are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Exposure to lead is estimated by measuring levels in the blood (micrograms per deciliter). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set a level of concern at 10 micrograms per deciliter. The CDC recommends testing children at their one-year checkup or at six months if the child is at risk of high-dose exposure.

How Can I Test to Determine If My Home Contains Lead-Based Paint ?

The most accurate way to determine if your home has lead-based paint is to hire a lead inspector to test the paint. Lead inspectors use XRF (x-ray) instruments to determine content of lead in paint immediately. Another way is to hire a risk assessor who will take samples from several locations in your home and have them analyzed at a lab for lead content. If an individual is concerned about a specific area in a home and wants to take a simple paint chip, dust, or soil sample themselves, they can mail the sample directly to a certified laboratory and have it analyzed. Taking a sample without an assessor is easy and may be less expensive, but it only tests the area from which the paint, soil, or dust sample was taken. A house may contain several layers of paint from different periods so one or two samples may not be representative of the entire residence. The Environmental Protection Agency has not approved and does not recommend do-it-yourself lead test kits. These kits, which do not require lab analyzation, are not very accurate in determining the existence of lead paint. For more information, or to locate lead-based paint inspectors, risk assessors and certified laboratories call (800) 424-5323.

How Can I Reduce Lead Exposure?

If your home has lead paint, do not try to remove the lead from your home yourself. Improper removal often makes the situation worse. Hire a qualified contractor to do the work. In some states, landlords may be required by law to remove lead-based paint from homes where children have been poisoned. Check with local health officials. To locate trained lead service providers, including lead-based paint inspectors, risk assessors and abatement (lead removal) contractors in your area, call (888) LEAD-LIST or visit http://www.leadlisting.org/.
Since lead can come from the solder or plumbing fixtures in your home, water from each faucet should be tested. Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on laboratories certified to test for lead.
Mop floors and wipe window ledges and other areas with soapy water. If available, tri-sodium phosphate or lead-specific cleaning products can be used.
Keep the areas where children like to play as clean and dust free as possible.
Keep children away from areas where paint is chipped or peeling. Stop children from chewing on windowsills or other painted surfaces.
Make sure everyone washes their hands before meals, naptime, and bedtime.
If your child’s bottle or pacifier falls on the floor, wash it before giving it back to your child.
Wash toys, stuffed animals, and bedding regularly.
Send children and pets to a relative’s or neighbor’s house if you plan to renovate your house. Infants, children, and pregnant women should not be in the home while renovations are under way. Exposure to lead dust is hazardous.
If you are pregnant, take as much care to avoid exposing yourself to lead as you would for your child. Lead can pass through your body to your unborn baby and cause health problems.
Do not let your children eat sand, dirt, or paint chips. Encourage your children to play in grassy areas of the yard or playground. Plant grass in areas where children play if possible. Make sure children remove and wipe their shoes and wash their hands whenever they come inside after playing outdoors.
Try to make sure your children eat a balanced diet with plenty of foods that contain iron and calcium. A child who gets enough of these minerals will absorb less lead. Foods rich in iron include eggs; lean red meat; and beans, peas, and other legumes. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are also recommended for their high calcium content.
Do not store food or drink in containers made from crystal, because some crystal contains lead.

What Is the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act?

The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, known as Title X, requires that most home buyers and renters will receive known information on lead-based paint hazards during sales and rentals of housing built before 1978. Sellers and landlords are required to provide a lead-based paint disclosure form and a federal pamphlet, titled Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, to the buyer or renter before the sale or lease of certain property. Landlords are also required to disclose information regarding lead-based paint to pre-existing tenants if the property was built prior to 1978. Congress passed Title X to protect families from exposure to lead by requiring disclosure of lead-based paint hazards in residential property. Title X became effective for all residential property built before 1978 on December 6, 1996.

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Mold

This information is for people who have mold problems in their homes. It presents the health concerns associated with mold exposure and advice on finding and removing mold contamination.

What Is Mold ?

Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.

What does mold need to grow ?

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:

Moisture
Nutrients
Suitable place to grow

Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.

How Can Mold Affect My Health ?

Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods and furnishings may be damaged. Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.

What symptoms might I see ?

The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:

nasal and sinus congestion
cough
wheeze/breathing difficulties
sore throat
skin and eye irritation
upper respiratory infections (including sinus)

Are the risks greater for some people?

There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:

infants and children
elderly people
individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma
persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)

Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.

Where Can I Find Mold And When Can It Be A Problem ?

Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.

Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings. When mold is visible, testing is not recommended.
Search areas with noticeable mold odors.
Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage. Look for water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation problems. For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork or other building materials?
Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets), furniture, or stored items (especially things placed near outside walls or on cold floors). Sometimes destructive techniques may be needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden; for example, opening up a wall cavity.

Should I test for mold?

We are not recommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth. Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air (outdoor and indoor air samples) and bulk (material) samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. However, mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns.

How I Can Clean Up Mold In The Home ?

To clean up and remove indoor mold growth, follow steps 1-6 as they apply to your home.

Identify and Fix the Moisture Problem

Flooding
Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold)
Movement through basement walls and slab
Roof leaks
Plumbing leaks
Overflow from tubs, sinks, or toilets
Firewood stored indoors
Humidifier use
Inadequate venting of kitchen and bath humidity
Improper venting of combustion appliances
Failure to vent clothes dryer exhaust outdoors (including electric dryers)
Line drying laundry indoors
House plants - watering them can generate large amounts of moisture

To keep indoor surfaces as dry as possible, try to maintain the home's relative humidity between 20-40 percent in the winter and less than 60 percent the rest of the year. You can purchase devices to measure relative humidity at some home supply stores. Ventilation, air circulation near cold surfaces, dehumidification, and efforts to minimize the production of moisture in the home are all very important in controlling high humidity that frequently causes mold growth in our cold climate.

Begin Drying All Wet Materials

as soon as possible, begin drying any materials that are wet. For severe moisture problems, use fans and dehumidifiers and move wet items away from walls and off floors. Check with equipment rental companies or restoration firms to see if you can rent fans and dehumidifiers.

Remove and Dispose of Mold Contaminated Materials

- items which have absorbed moisture (porous materials) and which have mold growing on them need to be removed, bagged and thrown out. Such materials may include sheet rock, insulation, plaster, carpet/carpet pad, ceiling tiles, wood products (other than solid wood), and paper products. Likewise, any such porous materials that have contacted sewage should also be bagged and thrown away. Non-porous materials with surface mold growth may be saved if they are cleaned well and kept dry (see step 4).

Take Steps to Protect Yourself

the amount of mold particles in air can increase greatly when mold is disturbed. Consider using protective equipment when handling or working around mold contaminated materials. The following equipment can help minimize exposure to mold:

Rubber gloves
Eye goggles
Outer clothing (long sleeves and long pants) that can be easily removed in the work area and laundered or discarded
Medium-efficiency or high-efficiency filter dust mask (these can be found at safety equipment suppliers, hardware stores, or some other large stores that sell home repair supplies) -- at a minimum, use an N-95 or equivalent dust mask

Take Steps to Protect Others

- plan and perform all work to minimize the amount of dust generated. The following actions can help minimize the spread of mold spores:

Enclose all moldy materials in plastic (bags or sheets) before carrying through the home

Hang plastic sheeting to separate the work area from the rest of the home

Remove outer layer of work clothing in the work area and wash separately or bag

Damp clean the entire work area to pick up settled contaminants in dust

Clean Surfaces

- surface mold growing on non- porous materials such as hard plastic, concrete, glass, metal, and solid wood can usually be cleaned. Cleaning must remove and capture the mold contamination, because dead spores and mold particles still cause health problems if they are left in place

Thoroughly scrub all contaminated surfaces using a stiff brush, hot water and a non-ammonia soap/detergent or commercial cleaner

Collect excess cleaning liquid with a wet/dry vacuum, mop or sponge

Rinse area with clean water and collect excess rinse water

Disinfect Surfaces (if desired)

- after cleaning has removed all visible mold and other soiling from contaminated surfaces, a disinfectant may be used to kill mold missed by the cleaning. In the case of sewage contamination, disinfection must be performed. Contact the Minnesota Department of Health for appropriate advice.

Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water and apply to surfaces where mold growth was visible before cleaning. The solution can be applied with a spray bottle, garden sprayer, it can be sponged on, or applied by other methods.

Collect any run-off of bleach solution with a wet/ dry vacuum, sponge or mop. However, do not rinse or wipe the bleach solution off the areas being treated -- allow it to dry on the surface.

Always handle bleach with caution.

Never mix bleach with ammonia

-- toxic chlorine gas may result. Bleach can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Provide fresh air (for example, open a window or door). Protect skin and eyes from contact with bleach. Test solution on a small area before treatment, since bleach is very corrosive and may damage some materials.

Remain on MOLD ALERT -

Continue looking for signs of moisture problems or return of mold growth. Be particularly alert to moisture in areas of past growth. If mold returns, repeat cleaning steps and consider using a stronger solution to disinfect the area again. Regrowth may signal that the material should be removed or that moisture is not yet controlled.

When can we rebuild?

Rebuilding and refurnishing must wait until all affected materials have dried completely. Be patient it takes time to dry out wet building materials. A moisture meter may help measure drying progress. Contact your county Minnesota Extension Service office to see if they loan moisture meters.

Can ozone air cleaners remove indoor mold?

Some air cleaners are designed to produce ozone which is a strong oxidizing agent and a known irritant of the lungs and respiratory system Studies have shown that ozone, even at high concentrations, is not effective at killing airborne mold or surface mold contamination. Even if mold was killed by ozone, the health threats would not be reduced until mold contaminants are removed through cleaning. Health experts do not recommend the use of ozone to address mold or any other indoor air problems.

For More Information.

For more information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold, please call the New York City Department of Health, Office of Environmental Investigations at (212) 442-3372 or the Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology Unit at (212) 788-4290.

Electromagnetic Field

What Is Electromagnetic Field (EMF)?

Electrical currents cause electromagnetic fields. Common household current is alternating current (AC), which reverses its direction (its charge) then switches back. One complete cycle per second is a hertz (Hz). For example, if a hair dryer operates at 60 Hz, its current changes direction 60 times per second. This cycle creates electric and magnetic fields at the same frequency. The fields created by power lines that distribute power throughout the country are power frequency fields. Electrical fields, magnetic fields, and power frequency fields can be high or low in intensity, continuous or brief in duration. None of them linger in the environment. The moment the power is turned off, the fields and induced currents disappear. At low frequencies, the electric and magnetic fields are separable; at high and super high frequencies, the fields are inseparable.

Electromagnetic fields are divided into several categories:

appliances and power lines--extremely low frequencies (ELF)

AM radio transmission--high and low frequencies (HF and LF)

TVs and video display terminals--very low frequencies (VLF)

TV and FM radio transmissions--very high frequencies (VHF)

microwaves--super high frequencies (SHF)

The super high frequencies can affect molecules. When microwave energy passes through something containing water, it causes the water molecules to vibrate and produce heat. Infrared and the different frequencies of visible light (which produce the different colors of the rainbow) occupy only a small portion of the electromagnetic energy spectrum. EMFs at frequencies higher than the visual light range are called ionizing radiation because they have enough energy to strip electrons from atoms. X-rays, for example, have enough energy to break apart molecules that contain genes. Excessive exposure to ionizing frequencies can cause cancer.

Where Can I Find EMF ?

Pinpointing a single source of exposure is difficult because humans may be exposed to a multitude of possible sources. Electromagnetic fields are found naturally in the environment, such as in lightning and in the Earth's magnetic field, which causes a compass needle to point north. The natural electromagnetic fields in the human body allow messages to flow through the nervous system. Electric and magnetic fields are produced by distribution or power lines, the electrical wires inside the walls of homes, and a wide assortment of electrical appliances. While electric fields do not pass through building materials, magnetic field do. Magnetic fields can also be found near buried electric lines.

Electromagnetic fields are commonly found around:

high voltage power lines

neighborhood transmission lines

grounding systems that protect residents from lightning

grounding systems that protect residents from electric shock that can result from faulty appliances

the operation of common electrical appliances, including microwave ovens

ovens, electric ranges, aquariums, table fans, electric space heaters

computer monitors, electric clocks, clock radios, heated waterbeds

electric blankets, hair dryers, cellular phones

Recently, video display terminals (VDTs) have been a source of concern because many people are spending a significant amount of time close to them. Although evidence suggests that continuous exposure to VDTs can aggravate some health conditions, there is insufficient information linking EMFs directly to these health conditions. As computers manufacturers build computers that use less electricity more efficiently, lower EMFs are generated.

How Can EMF Affect My Health ?

The amount of exposure is difficult to determine. Exposure to forces produced by external sources is generally constant, but the structure of a building determines how much of the final field strength can be found inside the building. EMFs produced inside a home can widely vary depending upon the wiring system and appliance usage. These variables cloud efforts to determine the relative importance of local power lines as opposed to the use of appliances or to internal house wiring.

What are the effects of exposure?

Most of the research--especially research focusing o the relationship between exposure to EMFs and cancer--has focused on public health issues. In most cases, the findings are difficult to trust because of the difficulty in controlling the amount of exposure and other variables, including socioeconomic status, nutrition, lifestyles, genetics, occupation, and exposure to other cancer-causing factors. Many study designs lack validity, which causes further doubt about their value. Given these limitations and shortcomings, the research nevertheless does suggest the need for further investigation of the association between EMFs and some cancers. These include childhood brain cancer and female breast cancer. Occupational concerns related to EMFs include adult brain cancer, adult leukemia, and male breast cancer. A review of occupational studies examined the occurrence of malignant melanoma, colon cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and non- Hodgkin's lymphoma and found questionable evidence linking those cancers with EMFs or with working in an "electrical" job. A number of studies examined the relationship between parental "electrical" occupation and childhood central nervous system cancers and found little to suggest a link. The evidence for adult central nervous system cancers, male breast cancer, and leukemia is also very weak. Many respected scientists critique the studies as being flawed. In spite of limited evidence concerning the link between EMFs and cancer, a weak connection between the two appears to exist. Further, valid studies are needed to determine the specific nature of this link.

Are there any measurable negative effects?

Are there any measurable negative effects? Currently, the only known measurable negative effects of EMFs are related to quality-of-life issues. Local power lines, poles, substations, and high voltage transmission lines are aesthetically displeasing; a possible reduction in property values and a deterioration of community may occur as families choose to relocate to avoid EMFs. Those who live in areas selected for new EMF facilities may be resentful and resistant to them being built.. In woodlands and farmlands, several rare but easily explained occurrences result from electromagnetic fields. Damaged conifer needles growing close to power lines serve much the same function as a lightning rod in discharging electricity build-up in the air; power lines sometimes create stray voltage effects that cause constant low-level electric shock. Decreased milk production in dairy cows and other minor problems can be avoided by properly grounding equipment and buildings. The placement of distribution towers that produce EMFs into recreational areas and natural areas are said to have a negative effect, although no quantifiable data are available and there appears to be no noticeable decrease in the use of those areas. Generally, scientists on both sides say they are dealing at most with rare diseases and an increased risk that is almost infinitesimal, especially compared with life's other everyday risks.

Are there any regulations governing EMFs?

Both state and federal legislation concerning EMFs, the construction of power lines, and the siting of such lines in residential areas have been introduced. The National Energy Policy Act of 1992 called for an EMF research study of $65 million. The Ohio Power Siting Board believes that electric transmission facilities should be designed and sited in ways that prudently address EMF issues until more conclusive studies on the possible health effects of EMFs are completed.

What Should Be Done About EMF ?

In spite of the absence of valid evidence based on solid scientific research, the effects of EMFs on the health of individuals and environments may still be of concern to some people. Until research data suggests a need for more extreme action, those who want to do something may wish to consider the following suggestions:

Stay away from the EMF sources. The strength of a magnetic field drops quickly just a few feet from the source. Do not sleep or sit for long periods of time near electrical devices, especially those with motors.

Stay a minimum of 18 inches away from a video display terminal (VDT). Turn it off when not in use. Don't sit close to the back or sides of the monitor even when it is in another room or behind a partition.

Where feasible, turn off or unplug waterbed heaters and electric blankets before going to bed. Unplugging and turning these appliances off removes the electric field.

Stay several feet away from all sides of a television including TVs located in another room against a wall.

Don't place beds or cribs against wall with major appliances nearby or on the other side of the wall.

Move electric clocks, clock radios, and telephone answering machines at least 4 feet away from the head of the bed.

Fluorescent bulbs generate stronger fields than incandescent lamps. Estimate 1 foot for incandescent bulbs and 3 feet for fluorescent lamps.

Avoid using electric blankets and hair blow dryers.

Check the background field in your home. You can purchase an EM meter for $30 to $150 or call a utility company to install one.

Conclusion

No scientific data support definitive answers to questions about the existence or nonexistence of health risks related to electromagnetic fields. More research to produce more reliable information is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.

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