The following are a few of the more common contaminants you may find in your home.

ASBESTOS

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, become implanted in the lung tissue. Once there, they stay, essentially forever. Whether by irritation or actual contamination, their presence in the lung tissue is now known to cause cancer. While the process is a slow one, and many years may pass before health problems develop, the result and, thus, the risk are well established.

In many older homes, asbestos based insulation was used on heating pipes and on the boiler.

The type, quantity and physical condition of the asbestos based material has a significant bearing on the degree of risk. Generally, if the material is in good condition, the risk of airborne asbestos fibers is low. However, if the material is damaged or if it is located in a high activity area (family room, work shop, laundry, etc.) the risk is high.

If you have light colored, fabric-like "jackets" of insulation around old piping in your home, it would be wise to consult a specialist to identify the material and to evaluate the degree of risk. Encapsulation (covering the material with a tight wrapping) or removal may be necessary if the degree of risk is determined to be high.

FORMALDEHYDE

Thanks to much media coverage of the Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) scare, formaldehyde has gained prominence as a hazardous material. And with good reason! Formaldehyde can be a respiratory irritant and for some folks, living in its presence can be dangerous.

More specifically, chronic, low-level, continuous or intermittent exposure to formaldehyde can cause chemical hypersensitivity and is an accelerating factor in the development of chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.

What is not commonly known is that formaldehyde is given off by other materials besides UFFI. Certain types of bonded wood products (composition board, panelling, etc.), carpeting and other material can be a source of formaldehyde. Many of these products use a urea formaldehyde based resin as an adhesive. Some of these materials will continue to give off formaldehyde much longer than UFFI.

If you have noticed any type of respiratory discomfort related to time spent in your home, formaldehyde may be the cause. An air quality test will help clarify the possible cause.

RADON

Radon and its radioactive decay products have long been known as respiratory carcinogens. Based on studies of workers in uranium mines, concentrations of radon in the current U.S. housing stock (although much lower than in uranium mines) could easily be responsible for thousands of cases of lung cancer each year.

High radon concentrations are possible in many parts of the United States. In some New England homes the exposure level to radon and its decay products exceeds the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's exposure limit for uncontrolled areas. The main factors affecting radon concentrations in air are ventilation and the radon source. The most common source is the presence of radium-226 in the soil and rock surrounding basement walls and cellar floor slabs.

Since high concentrations of radon in air often go hand in hand with radon contamination in the water supply (if a private water supply is present), a water test for radon is the recommended first step. If high concentrations are noted in the water, evaluation of ventilation rates in the structure as well as air quality tests for radon are suggested.

The parts of the country most vulnerable to high radon concentrations are:

In general, high radon concentrations are likely wherever large rock masses occur, such as in mountainous regions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Radiation Programs in Washington, D.C., "just about every state radiation health officer has found high levels of radon in some area of his state."

HYDROCARBONS

Leaking subsurface tanks at fuel stations and other facilities have created significant health and safety problems by contaminating the soil around the buildings. Most commercial grades of gasoline and many commercial solvents contain aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene which is known to cause leukemia.

Itchy eyes, watery eyes, nausea, and noticeable odors similar to gasoline and oil are all indications that some hydrocarbon contamination may be present. Air quality tests may be necessary as well as tests for contaminants in the soil around the foundation.

Other materials hazardous to our health may also be present in our homes.

Many pesticides (most notably Chlordane, used for termite treatment) are serious hazards. Toxic metals such as arsenic can contaminate water and soil. Arsenic based preservatives have been used for pressure treating lumber for exterior, exposed applications. Mercury and lead are also often found in sufficient concentrations to become a health hazard, especially to children with a tendency to chew on painted surfaces around the home. The risk represented by our exposure to many of these toxic and hazardous materials often depends on their specific use and application.

Ultimately, the only way to be sure of the quality of the environment in your home is through air quality tests. If contaminants are found, it may then be necessary to test specific materials in your home to determine the exact source of the contamination.

TESTING

If you consider having the environment in your home tested, it is imperative that the following criteria are met if the results are to be meaningful and accurate.

Consideration of ambient conditions such as ventilation rates, temperature and humidity at the time of the testing.

Consideration of all current state and federal standards with regard to the materials to be tested.

Conformance with certified and approved testing procedures.

Performance by a certified, industrial hygienist or equivalent.

As with anything you do, it is important that you work only with qualified consultants. In a matter as important as the health of your family, it would be foolish to do anything else.