In an effort to get my clients to have their home checked out, for
the remainder of 2004, I am reducing my environmental testing by 10%.
STOP PRESS - New HUD form promotes inspectors and testing
June 21, 2004 - The U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
began distribution this month of the new Form HUD-0548-E Radon Gas and
Mold Notice and Release Agreement. The form notifies prospective purchasers
of single-family property that ‘radon gas and some molds have
the potential to cause serious health problems’, and encourages
them ‘to obtain the services of a qualified and experienced professional
to conduct inspections and tests regarding radon and mold prior to closing’.
By the end of June, all purchasers [of HUD property, presumably –
KP] will be required to sign the release forever discharging HUD, their
marketing and management contractor, and the sales agent from any and
all claims and liabilities resulting from the presence of radon or mold
on the property.
HOME SWEET HOME MIGHT BE MAKING YOU GROAN
Lead: Lead poisoning causes brain damage to children
from birth to 8 years old. Lead contaminated water lead pipes and fixtures
contributed to lead poisoning in over forty million homes. “Every
time you drink from the faucet, cook with tap water or brush your teeth,
you may be at risk” states McDonnell. Ingesting lead paint and
breathing lead dust are the # 1 contributors to lead poisoning, which
causes brain damage and affects over 200,000 children each year
Asbestos: Asbestos is found in many products in the
home such as roofing and flooring materials, wall and pipe insulation,
spackling compounds and cement. An estimated 20,000 people will die
each year for the next 30 years from asbestos exposure. Breathing high
levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer,
mesothelioma ( a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings), and asbestosis
(irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal). The risk of lung cancer
and mesothelioma increase with the number of fibers inhaled.
Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide can cause impaired
vision and co-ordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea and
possible death at high concentrations. It is estimated that carbon monoxide
causes as many as 1,000 deaths per year in the United States. Carbon
monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas, which is caused
by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels from Gasoline, Kerosene, Natural
Gas, Butane, Propane, Fuel Oil, Wood, Coal, and any other fuel.
Bacteria: Bacterial contamination in water causes
severe digestive problems, fever, nausea, diarrhea and sometimes, even
death. One of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Eschericha coli (E.
coli 0157:H7) is an emerging cause of food borne and water borne illness.
This strain produces a power-ful toxin and can cause severe illness.
A recent Bulletin from Ohio State University states that bacteria in
drinking water, e.g. coliform, causes human illnesses such as typhoid,
dysentery, cholera, and hepatitis.
Pesticides: Pesticide ingestion and inhalation can
damage internal organs, cause cancer, and eventually death. The World
Heath Organization estimates that one-half of the ground and well water
in the U. S. is contaminated with pesticides, resulting in 20,000 deaths
per year.
Check this web-site for further information:- www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/
and select your subject.
