Radon

Radon is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.  Radon is a gaseous radioactive element that occurs from the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  Radon becomes a risk indoors because as it continues to break down, it emits atomic particles that upon entering the lungs can alter DNA and increase lung cancer risk. Radon can be tested and measured in pCi/L (picocuries per liter) and there are estimated risks to health from the exposure depending on the concentration. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MO DHSS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that if the concentration of radon is 4 pCi/L or greater, then remediation should be done to lower risk. MO DHSS is currently offering free radon kits for citizens by filling out the form. For additional information, read the Citizen's Guide to Radon.

Mold

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors and is present everywhere – in the air and on surfaces. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning systems, etc. Mold will then grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects or none at all depending on a person’s sensitivity. For those who are sensitive, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritations, coughing or wheezing, eye and in some cases skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more serious reactions.

Things you can do inside your home to control mold growth are:

  • Maintain humidity levels between 40% and 60%
  • Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
  • Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
  • Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas

For more information on mold and how to clean surfaces with mold read the Mold Guide.

Carbon Monoxide

The exposure level of carbon monoxide influences the symptoms, recovery, and damage done to an individual. Mental abilities can be impaired and permanent brain damage can occur.

Emergency treatment for an individual exposed to carbon monoxide includes moving the exposed individual to an area with fresh air, calling 911 or the appropriate emergency services number, and ventilating the affected area. If the individual has stopped breathing, artificial breathing, such as CPR, should be initiated.

Knowledge is the first step to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be detected in the home by installing carbon monoxide alarms.
Other precautions are to assure:

  • All fuel-burning appliances are correctly used and maintained
  • Furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are inspected every year
  • Fireplace chimneys and flues are inspected and cleaned every year
  • Automobile exhaust systems are regularly checked for defects

For further information, read Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.