ITS TIME TO GIVE YOUR HOME A HEALTH CHECK UP–
Did you know that the environment where you spend most of your time is your HOME. The quality of the air and water can affect your health in a very negative way. Many air/water contaminants can cause sneezing, allergies, wheezing, head aches ,digestive issues to the far end of severity to cancer. Many of these illness and symptoms may be caused by your environment.
INTRODUCING YOUR HOUSE DOCTORS-
For Water, Radon and VOC Testing call Wayne DeFino at All Points Inspections 203 496-0700
For Mold Testing and Mitigation call David Warren of Green Home Solutions 203 617-9067
For Water Infiltration call Dennis Sandberg of 914 954-7132
Consider first the water in your home.
Do you know that it is recommended, if you have a well, to test it every year for bacteria. There are 2 major bacteria that we see in this area. Coliform can cause diarrhea or digestive problems. It is easily mitigated by “Shocking” the well with chlorine. The more virulent Ecoli is caused by sewage run off. This is also treatable with a UV light installed at the water source as it enter the house. Other harmful water contaminants that we are seeing frequently are nitrates (caused by overfertilizing) and chloride (caused by road salt). In our area radon is frequently found in our water sources. Radon is a directly related to lung cancer. When released in the shower and inhaled it is a cancinogen. We are also seeing arsenic and uranium levels higher than is safe.
Air quality is dependent on three items; radon; VOC; and mold.
Air Radon levels can vary in your home based on weather, humidity and changes in your home as in adding vinyl siding or thermopane windows. It is a good idea to test for radon every couple of years.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) are gases omitted from everything from hair spray to cleaning products to varnishes; virtually everything with a scent. In high concentrations they can cause health issues that include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
Most prevalent in your environment is MOLD. Even though you might not see or smell it doesn’t mean it is not present. We are especially finding it in attics because of poor ventilation and in basements because of dampness and water infiltration. Many people are unaware that illnesses they have are from exposure to mold. There is sufficient evidence to link indoor air exposure to mold with upper respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. Many people are unaware that mold sickness is real. Many physicians do not understand how to properly diagnose patients with mold sickness, so many continue in misdiagnosis. Additionally, most people are unaware of the actual cause of their allergies and asthma. Mold spores can get into your nose and can cause allergy symptoms. They can also get into your lungs and trigger asthma. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms and limit your need for allergy medicine is to avoid your allergens as much as possible. This includes removing the source of allergens from your home and other places you spend time.
TESTING AND ELIMINATING THESE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS IS EASY AND NOT NECESSARILY EXPENSIVE. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF YOUR FAMILY.