Old homes pose dangers

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), April, 2004

As spring warms up and building projects around the house become more plentiful, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Des Plaines, Ill., reminds homeowners to keep environmental hazards to a minimum during construction efforts.

Some potential contaminants include lead, mold, asbestos, and radon. Regardless of the part of the house in which a project takes place, there are good work practices that a professional contractor will use to help minimize or prevent circulation and other indoor problems.

Following is a summary of some common contaminants that may be uncovered during construction:

Lead: Old paint is the most significant source of lead exposure. Dust and chips are dangerous when inhaled or swallowed. Be sure lead-based paint is properly removed from surfaces. Dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning can be harmful.

Mold: More than 1,000 species are common to the U.S., although only a handful pose any health threats. Mold needs two things to grow: a food source and moisture. Wood, drywall, and ceiling tiles, among other building materials, are available sources of food. Excess moisture in the form of high humidity, and leaks in the roof, walls, or plumbing can lead to mold and other biological growth.

Asbestos: Prior to 1980, asbestos was used extensively in building products, including acoustic tile ceilings, furnace and duct insulation, drywall taping and joint compound, textured paints and plasters, and linoleum and vinyl flooring. It was banned from most building materials in the 1970s. Asbestos removal must be handled by a licensed and certified hazardous material/"hazmat" contractor.

Radon: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps into the cracks in basements or the ground levels of homes. As concrete becomes more porous over the years, water vapor and radon may be pulled in by the lower air pressure. The gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It is odorless and invisible, but its levels can--and should--be measured.