Building Knowledge, LLCEnvironmental Issues
Radon
Why Radon Matters?
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers. Radon is difficult to detect as it is odor less, colorless, and tasteless. The only accurate way to detect Radon is to have a certified test conducted in your home, office, or business.
Should you test for Radon?
According to the EPA, everyone should test for Radon. At Building Knowledge, we offer testing using state or the art Sun Nuclear continuous monitors. Our monitors are calibrated yearly by a independent lab to ensure accuracy.
Should you Mitigate?
The EPA recommends that everyone should mitigate if the results of the test are 4.0pCi/l or more. So what does 4.0pCi/l mean. Well lets put it in everyday terms. According to Radon Awareness "If you live in a home for 1 year that has exactly 4.0 pCi/L then your radiation exposure is the same as 200 chest x-rays per year."
New Construction
If you are getting ready to build, a passive system may be all that is needed to prevent your home from future Radon exposure. Most of these systems can be installed economically and can fit into your construction budget. Most builders could install Radon systems for less than $1000 if they took the time to find out what is needed and how to do it right. In addition the mitigation system can be hidden out of site and vented through the roof. We will be happy to meet with you or your builder during your planning/building stage to share what is needed to ensure the air quality of your new home or business. If Radon concerns you, then this is the most economical time to have a Radon reduction system installed. For more information please contact us today.
Other Benefits
Other than removing radon, a radon reduction system offers several other key benefits. It removes other earth and soil gases, and it can reduce moisture under your slab or crawl space. The active dampness control that it offers can remove as much as 1200 gallons of water a year. This in return can reduce the need for dehumidification and help lower your heating and cooling cost. This also reduces the chances for harmful molds and mildew to develop with in your home.
For more information:
Visit the EPA Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
Mold
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Can mold cause health problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.