Home Safety
Some people are concerned about the presence and effects of toxins and other contaminants in the home. For these homeowners, buyers, and sellers, Darcy & Associates can recommend tests, and can refer the right professionals to investigate and remedy any problems. Read on for a few examples of hazards that consumers are increasingly concerned about.
Radon 
Radon is a carcinogenic, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, second only to smoking. Radon enters the air that you breathe, but you can not see, smell or taste it.
Radon levels are unpredictable, and vary not only from neighborhood to neighborhood, but from house to house in the same neighborhood. Levels can even vary from room to room within the same house.
Fortunately, it is easy and inexpensive to test for radon, and in most cases, heightened levels can be mitigated at a reasonable cost. Sellers may want to test prior to listing, or buyers may wish to conduct a radon test during the contingency period of an escrow. On average, it costs $1200 to fix radon problems in a home. Darcy & Associates can provide further info, and refer homeowners, buyers, and sellers to qualified radon professionals.
Mold
Mold spores are part of our natural environment. Mold can become a problem, however, when indoor levels begin to exceed outdoor levels, and when the concentration of mold in the home increases. Mold can cause health problems because they produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin rash. Mold can also cause serious structural damage to a home over time.
Remember that you will never eliminate all mold spores indoors. They are a normal part of life. But to prevent mold from becoming a problem, you must exercise moisture control. Ventilation is key, and is easy! You must properly ventilate areas where completely eliminating water is difficult, such as bathrooms. This is why bathrooms must, by law, be built with either a window or a proper ventilation system installed.
It is easy to test for mold, and there are several companies that specialize in checking for it. The resulting report will include a description of the mold, an analysis of whether it is a serious problem, and recommendations for further action, if any. Mold problems smaller than 10 square feet can be handled by the homeowner. If the mold covers a greater area, however, a professional should handle the problem. Note that chemicals and biocides are not recommended as a routine method for dealing with mold in the home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was added to a variety of products in the past. Until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation contained asbestos. Products that may include asbestos in pre-1970s homes include steam pipes, boilers, furnace ducts, insulation around furnaces, soundproofing, and patching and joint compounds.
Most households today do not contain asbestos, and products that do are required to be labeled as such.
We are all exposed to small amounts of asbestos in our daily lives. Most people exposed to these amounts do not develop associated health problems. Breathing in high levels of asbestos fibers, however, can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs with fibrous tissue).
Usually, the best thing to do about asbestos-containing materials, believe it or not, is to leave it alone! If the materials are in good condition, they will not release fibers, and therefore will not cause any known health hazards. In cases where the presence of asbestos is suspected or known, a determination of its condition should be made by a qualified asbestos professional. Asbestos fibers can only be positively identified with a special microscope.
In some cases, asbestos will need to be removed. Asbestos removal should always be conducted by a properly qualified asbestos professional.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among top five environmental risks. Believe it or not, the EPA has found that indoor air is typically between two and five times more contaminated than outdoor air. Of hundreds of EPA-regulated chemicals, only ozone and sulfur dioxide are more prevalent outdoor than indoors. The good news is that most IAQ issues can be addressed. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as increasing ventilation, or removing the main culprit, which might be a rug or a household cleaning product! Air cleaners are also very effective at removing particles in the air, and can often significantly improve IAQ.
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary causes of poor indoor air quality. Inadequate ventilation can increase pollutant levels, and high temperatures and humidity can increase the concentration of certain pollutants. Common sources of indoor pollution are combustible sources (oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco); home materials and furnishings (including damp carpet, pressed wood products, carpet backing, asbestos-containing insulation, central heating and cooling systems, paints, household cleaning and maintenance products); and outdoor sources that penetrate the home, such as radon and pesticides.
As a homeowner, buyer, or seller, you may be interested in testing your indoor air quality. Testing options range from self-test kits to full evaluations by IAQ professionals, who are also experts at resolving any existing IAQ problems. In the meantime, make sure you have your ducts professionally cleaned every 2-3 years, and deep-clean your carpets at least annually.
Information for the Environmental Testing section of this website was obtained from the EPA, the DOE, and the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals