Archive for April, 2011

What is Cancer? What Are Its Causes?

April 30th, 2011

What is Cancer?

The term ‘Cancer’ refers to any one of a large number of diseases in which a group of cells show an abnormal development with an uncontrollable division beyond the normal limits. They have the ability to intrude and destroy adjacent body tissues. Cancer cells have the ability to spread throughout the body via lymph and blood, thus destroying the healthy tissues (process known as invasion).

All the cancers begin in the basic unit of life – the cell. Normal cells in a body have the ability to grow and divide in a controlled way to produce more cells as per needed to keep the body healthy. When the cells become old or damaged, they die and get replaced with new cells. If and when this normal process gets disturbed then cancer gets initiated. In a normal process, old cells die after a certain period of time and are replaced by new cells. But in a cancerous state, new cells keep on developing while old cells do not die when they should thus leading to a mass of tissue known as a tumor.

There are two types of tumors:

1. Benign tumors:
A benign tumor is not cancerous. It can often be removed and usually does not come back. These cells grow in a limited, non-aggressive manner. They do not invade the surrounding tissues and neither spread to other parts of the body, i.e., do not metastasize.

2. Malignant tumors:
A malignant tumor is cancerous. Cells in these tumors invade the surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Causes of Cancer

There are certain risk factors which might lead to cancer development. These are:

• Growing Older
• Tobacco
• Sunlight
• Ionizing radiation
• Certain chemicals and other substances
• Some viruses and bacteria
• Certain hormones
• Family history of cancer
• Alcohol
• Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight

Most of these risk factors can be avoided, while some others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. Wherever and whenever possible, steps can be taken in staying away from known risk factors.

Keep in mind that:

• Not everything causes cancer.
• Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise.
• Cancer is not contagious. Although being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of some types of cancer, no one can catch cancer from another person.
• Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer.
• Some people are more sensitive than others to the known risk factors.

Read on for more information about some of the common risk factors for cancer:

Growing Older

Age is an important risk factor for cancer. Most cancers occur in people over the age of 65. But people of all ages, including children, can get cancer, too.

Tobacco

Tobacco use highly increases the risk of getting cancer, either it be directly using the tobacco or being around tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke). Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop cancer of the mouth, the organs related to respiratory system and the digestive system. They also are more likely to develop leukemia – cancer that starts in blood cells.

Quitting tobacco reduces the risk of cancer (though cancer risk is generally lowest among those who have never used tobacco). For those who have already had cancer, quitting reduces the chances of cancer recurrence.

Sunlight

Natural source of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the sun. Other sources are sunlamps and tanning booths. It causes early aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Doctors encourage people of all ages to limit their time in the sun and to avoid other sources of UV radiation:

• Try to avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Stay in the shade if you have to go outside.
• Cover exposed areas of the body.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with lenses that absorb UV.
• Use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. They may help prevent skin cancer.
• Stay away from sunlamps and tanning booths. They are no safer than sunlight.

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation can cause cell damage that leads to cancer. This radiation comes from rays that enter the Earth’s atmosphere from outer space, radioactive fallout, radon gas, x-rays, and other sources.

Radioactive fallout comes from accidents at nuclear power plants or from the production, testing, or use of atomic weapons. People exposed to this fallout may have an increased risk of cancer.

Radon is an invisible, odour-less, tasteless radioactive gas. People working in mines may be exposed to radon.

Another common source of radiation is through medical procedures. Doctors use low-dose radiations for x-rays and high-dose radiations for radiation therapy to treat cancer. The risk of cancer from low-dose x-rays is extremely small as compared to radiation therapy. For both, the benefit nearly always outweighs the small risk.

Talk to your doctor or dentist about the need for each x-ray. Also ask for shields to protect parts of the body that are not in the picture.

Certain Chemicals and Other Substances

Studies show that exposure to asbestos, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, nickel, or vinyl chloride in the workplace can cause cancer. People who have exposure to these things in their workplaces – like painters, construction workers, and those in the chemical industry – have an increased risk of cancer.

Always tend to follow instructions and safety tips when handling harmful substances both at work and at home. Also be careful at home when handling pesticides, used engine oil, paint, solvents, and other chemicals.

Some Viruses and Bacteria

Being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of developing cancer:

• Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is the main cause of cervical cancer along with some other types of cancer.
• Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses might develop into liver cancer.
• Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV-1)greatly increases the risk of lymphoma and leukemia.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – commonly known as AIDS. People having HIV infection have a greater risk of cancer – lymphoma and a rare cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma.
• Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is a cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
• Helicobacter pylorican cause stomach ulcers. It also can cause stomach cancer and lymphoma in the stomach lining.

Certain Hormones

In some health issues, doctors recommend hormone therapy. However, studies show that hormone therapy can cause serious side effects: increases the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Family History of Cancer

A normal cell may become a cancer cell after a series of gene changes occur. Some gene changes that increase the risk of cancer are passed from parent to child. These changes are present at birth in all cells of the body.

It is uncommon for cancer to run in a family. However, several cases of the same cancer type in a family may be linked to inherited gene changes, which increase the chance of developing cancers. However, environmental factors may also be involved. But mostly, multiple cases of cancer in a family are just a matter of chance.

Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a pattern of a certain type of cancer in your family. Your doctor may suggest ways to try to reduce your risk of cancer and also may suggest exams for early detection of cancer.

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Indoor Air Quality Matters

April 28th, 2011

When was the last time you changed the air filter in your home? Was it dirty? Disgusting I know. Do you ever wonder how your house…your home could be so infected with air pollutants? Embarrassing as it may be you are not alone.

After replacing my own filters, I found myself wondering; where in the world does all this dirt come from? “There are only three people living in my home and I just changed these things 45 days ago.” Sound familiar? Now sitting in your office, look up at the supply air grille above you. How clean do you suppose the air is…that cool, refreshing perk that you take for granted? Hmmmm?

According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, the average employed American works a 46-hour work week; 38% of the respondents in their study worked more than 50 hours per week. My math tells me that we spend an average of 9-10 hours a day at the office. Are you concerned about the indoor air quality in your building yet? Well, you should be so keep reading.

Side Note: “IAQ (indoor air quality) can impact the health, comfort and productivity of building occupants. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rand IAQ among the most serious environmental problems in the country. With most Americans spending up to 90% of their time indoors, IAQ has become a major concern.” Source: Kimberly Clark.

IAQ has been written about so many times that when researching this topic, Google went into search engine overload. From the EPA, to U.S. Senators, to Green Peace and inspiring authors such as myself, IAQ has always been a hot topic. This month’s edition of Mechanical Matters® is dedicated to IAQ and why proper air filtration program is important. I will discuss the effects of IAQ, and what precautions building owners and managers alike can do to keep their investment healthy. But first let’s learn a little about IAQ and the definition as presented in the world’s free encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), chemicals (such as carbon monoxide, radon), allergens, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce health effects. Recent findings have demonstrated that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air (albeit with different pollutants) although this has not changed the common understanding of air pollution. In fact, indoor air is often a greater health hazard than the corresponding outdoor setting. Using ventilation to dilute contaminants, filtration, and source control are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings.
Source: Wikipedia (Indoor Air Quality).

What potential pollutants exist throughout a building? Below is a list of harmful bacteria’s, gases, and other pollutants that can exist in a building’s air system, again provided by Wikipedia:

1. Radon

2. Molds and other Allergen

3. Carbon Monoxide

4. Legionella, Legionellosis or Legionnaire’s Disease

5. Asbestos Fibers

6. Pollen

7. Dust

8. Spores

9. Bacteria

10. Viruses

Now, are you a little concerned? Before you get too excited please know that these repulsive contaminants can be defeated with proper air filtration and ventilation. Remember how dirty the air filter in your home was the last time you replaced it? It’s that disgusting because it’s doing its job. Air filtration is one of the most important weapons in our fight against poor IAQ, followed closely by ventilation and humidity control. While Asbestos and Radon are still a threat to older buildings, stricter building codes enforced by the both the U.S. Federal Government and State legislation have prevented their uses in new buildings. However, Molds, Allergens, Bacteria, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide can creep in no matter how old or new your building is.

Entire books have been written about IAQ. So, before I turn this article into a book, I will direct my focus on the most commonly method of IAQ maintenance, air filtration. I will however, provide a list of links to various websites that I used for my research on IAQ. These links can be found at bottom of this article for your review.

While researching air filtration, I decided to turn the professionals for help. Lynn Stage of Commercial Filter Maintenance (CFM) is who I choose for all my clients air filtration needs. Lynn’s company not only manufacturer’s air filters, but his dedicated service team provides filter service to thousands of buildings in the Mid-South. Filter service may not be a glamorous job, or maybe that is your job. Regardless, this service could very well be the life or death of your building if not taking seriously. In my interview, I asked Lynn about his air filters and how his filters meet the requirements needed to prevent poor IAQ.

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Indoor Air Quality During Winter

April 28th, 2011

Indoor air quality is often much worse than outdoor air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air pollutant levels could be two to five times higher than pollution levels outdoors. Considering that most Americans spend an estimated 90 percent of their time inside, indoor air quality has a great impact on our everyday lives. In addition, indoor air pollutants are one of the foremost triggers of allergies and asthma.

Why Winter Makes Indoor Air Quality Worse

Homes are built to be energy- (and therefore cost-) efficient by holding heat in during the winter time and keeping heat out during the summer. Winter weather prompts homeowners to tightly seal any cracks in insulation that could allow cold drafts into the home. This, in turn, also seals off the home from any fresh air and raises the concentrations of both allergens and pollutants in the home.

Pollutant Sources in the Home

Pollutants in the home come from a variety of sources. The first step in making sure that your family has the cleanest possible air is knowing where the pollutants come from. Following is a list of common sources of indoor air pollution:

Combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood. Any household appliances that use any of these fuels can lead to indoor air pollution. Such appliances include wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, water heaters, dryers, and stoves. It’s crucial to make sure that these appliances are well-maintained and properly adjusted so that they don’t release dangerous levels of pollution into the home. Heating systems themselves are one type of combustion source. (Another reason that indoor air pollution can be worse in winter.)

Building materials and furnishings, ranging from insulation, to carpeting, to cabinetry or furniture made of pressed wood. The kinds of pollutants that these items in the home may harbor or release are varied, including VOCs, mold, and dust mites.

Household cleaning and maintenance products, personal care products; air fresheners, for example, release pollutants continuously.

Hobby or home improvement activities including painting, varnishing, sanding, welding, using adhesives, and more. Basically, if it produces fumes, it’s probably not good for you to be breathing it or filling your home with it, especially when your home is sealed tight against winter cold – and the healthy circulation of fresh air.

Outdoor sources like radon, pollen, lead, and more. Radon occurs in the soil as the natural decay of uranium occurs and can leak into the home. Pesticides, pollen, lead, and other outdoor pollutants may be tracked by people or pets into the home, where their levels become concentrated.

Pets – animal dander and other particles from pets with fur or feathers are a major aggravation of allergies and asthma to sensitive individuals. As people stay indoors more, so do pets that go outside during less inclement weather.

Common Household Pollutants

The next step in making sure to protect your family from household pollution is knowing what the pollutants are so that you can know how to deal with them. Here is a list of the most allergens and pollutants that affect indoor air quality.

Mold and mildew – when windows are closed tight against cold air, steam from the bathroom and the kitchen, as well as other kinds of moisture can build up in the home. Mold and mildew reproduce through spores, which become airborne and easily inhaled.

Pet dander – because it is very light and very small, pet dander is one of the most irritating and difficult-to-remove allergens. Indoor concentrations are especially high during winter when pets, as well as people, spend more time indoors.

Dust mites – because more time is spent indoors during the winter, the concentration of dust mite food – shed human skin cells – increases, as do dust mite populations. Dust mites are present wherever there is dust, including household surfaces, upholstered furniture, draperies, carpets, and especially bedding.

Pollen – though less of a problem in the winter, there are winter-blooming plants whose pollen can be tracked indoors. In addition, fluctuations in weather may cause plants to blossom earlier than normal.
Biological pollutants – in addition to molds, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander, other germs, viruses, and bacteria are present in the home.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), or secondhand smoke, is also a major indoor air pollutant.

Formaldehyde is one of the main volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is often found in adhesives or other bonding agents present in carpets, upholstery, particle board, and plywood paneling.

Various VOCs -in addition to formaldehyde, many other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in cleaning products, air fresheners, beauty products, laundry products, and more. Off-gassing of VOCs from household items (like dry-cleaned drapes or other clothing, or particle board furniture or cabinets) is also a source of VOCs.

Asbestos comes from microscopic mineral fibers that are flexible and durable and won’t burn. They are extremely light and consequently can remain airborne and therefore easily inhaled. Many home components contain asbestos, including roofing and flooring materials, insulation, and heating equipment, among others. These are only a problem if the asbestos is disturbed and becomes airborne, or when it disintegrates with age.

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are the worst air pollution components given off by the combustion sources discussed above. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and it interferes with the distribution of oxygen in the body. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include poor coordination, headache, nausea, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue; the gas can also worsen cardiovascular conditions. High levels can cause death. Nitrogen dioxide is similarly colorless and odorless, and it irritates the mucous membranes, including those in the eyes, nose, and throat. Additional effects include shortness of breath, damaged respiratory tissue, and chronic bronchitis.

Lead – lead can be present in the home as paint or dust. Older homes routinely used lead paint, and cracked or chipping paint leads to both paint chips and paint dust, both dangerous pollutants, especially if there are young children in the home.

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Immediate effects of poor indoor air quality can show up after just a single exposure and include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and itchy eyes, nose, and throat. Asthma and chemical sensitivities can also be aggravated by exposure to indoor pollution. Chronic sensitivity may also build up after repeated exposures.

Although it remains uncertain what levels or periods of exposure are necessary to bring on serious health effects from indoor air pollution, long-term effects of indoor air pollution include respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

The EPA recommends three basic strategies to improve indoor air quality: source control, ventilation improvements, and air cleaners or purifiers.

Improving indoor air quality through source control involves removing the sources of pollution. Gas emissions, like those from a poorly maintained stove, for instance, can be adjusted in order to lower their emissions; asbestos can be sealed or enclosed. Often, source control is a more cost-conscious way to remedy poor air quality than ventilation because increased ventilation can significantly increase energy costs.

However, increased ventilation is an easy and effective way to control poor indoor air by bringing fresh indoor air into circulation. Especially because most heating systems do not bring fresh air into the home, opening windows and doors when weather permits provides great benefit.

You can easily check to see if your home might have ventilation problems. Condensation on walls or windows, stuffy air, moldy areas, or dirty heating or cooling equipment are all indicators. Odors (which are most notable upon entering the home from outdoors) are also an indication of poor ventilation.

When performing many home improvement or hobbies, it’s especially important to be aware of the need for proper ventilation. Without ventilation, pollutants such those emitted during painting, welding, sanding, or even cooking, can add toxic elements into your home environment.

The EPA’s final recommendation in their three-pronged approach to improving indoor air quality involves using an air purifier. When investing in an air purifier, it’s important to understand all the factors involved. For instance, most air purifiers capture particulate matter but do not remove gas and other chemicals. Activated carbon filters are needed in order to remove gas and chemicals. Additionally, it’s important to get an air purifier that has the proper capacity to fill the job. This depends on factors such as pollutant levels, sensitivity, and room size.

Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy indoor air, especially during the winter:

Clean regularly – dusting safely with proper cleaning equipment like dust cloths and masks, and regular and frequent vacuuming go a long way in reducing airborne pollutants like mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.

Replace furnace filters frequently – with your heating unit running during the cold winter months, your furnace filter is working hard to keep your air clean. Ensure that airflow is not impeded – or worse, that contaminants aren’t being reissued into the air you breathe – by checking your filters regularly and replacing them as needed.

Test for radon – the Surgeon General warns that radon causes lung cancer and recommends testing your home. The EPA’s Web site has more information about testing for radon.

Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detection device to alert you to the presence of this colorless, odorless, lethal gas.

Use non-toxic cleaning products. Especially when cleaning in the winter when ventilation is typically less, chemicals’ fumes stay inside the home and on surfaces cleaned with them.

Keep bedding clean. Wash bedding frequently (once a week) in hot water or with a de-mite laundry additive. Cover mattresses and pillows with dust mite encasings.

Look for low- or no-VOC products when doing any hobbies or home-improvement projects. If possible, wait for spring, when you can open the windows for adequate ventilation.

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Backup Sump Pump – Read Before You Buy

April 26th, 2011

If you just built or purchased a home or business with a sump pump it is critical that you install a backup sump pump to go along with the master pump. Why? Basement sump pump failures fall into the “WHEN” not “IF” category when it comes to failures. When the inevitable failure does occur, you better be prepared, especially since most insurance companies will not insure against ground water floods.

Here is a list of items you should consider before you buy your backup pump.

First, determine what types of backup sump pumps you’re eligible to use. There are two main types of backup pumps: water powered and battery powered. If your water source is from a pond or well you can only use a battery backup sump pump. If your water source is from your municipality, a water powered sump pump becomes an option for you.

Second, find out the dimensions of your sump pit. Pits vary in size and often times, consumers purchase a recommended backup sump pump only to get it home and find that there is not enough room for both pumps to reside. Be sure to measure the depth, and diameter of your pit. Also, take note of the amount of space that your primary unit occupies. Ceiling mounted backup units are becoming popular because they stay out of the way of the main pump.

Next, consider your installation preferences. Are you a handyman? Plan to perform your own self install? If so, make sure the pump you buy includes an installation kit. Know what is included with the kit – a good kit will contain custom fittings, pipes, clamps, screws, and mounts that will make the installation a breeze. If you’re not up to the installation challenge – hire a professional. Typical costs are about $250.00.

Another important factor to be aware of during your purchase research is your sump pump cover (or lack thereof). Some establishments will have a radon sealed cover that needs special consideration for sump size and depth. Radon is a gas that’s known to cause cancer. If your pit already has a sealed cover, play on the safe side and make sure your new installation can also fit into the sealed area.

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Peoria Homes – Everything Old Is New Again

April 24th, 2011

Peoria is a great city in which to buy older, historic homes. These homes may not be as old as some found in Boston, New York or Philadelphia, but some date back to the early 20s. These houses have plenty of character and detail, something that’s often lacking in today’s modern homes.

Historic homes can also be a great value. They often let you put a little sweat equity into a possibly undervalued home. Unfortunately however, sometimes these historic homes are hiding some potentially big problems. A little information can keep you from making a costly mistake, so be sure to do some research before you buy.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause huge health problems, most significantly lung cancer. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation. Radon can be detected fairly easily with a contractor’s help. Fixing the problem can be inexpensive if it merely requires sealing the basement, although it may cost big dollars if you have to tear up floors, put in a new foundation or replace plumbing.

Lead

Lead can be a huge problem and cause major health problems. Unfortunately there are a number of areas where lead may rear its ugly head.

  • Lead Pipes: Lead pipes were commonly used in plumbing up until the 1940s. Even later, lead was used in the solder used on copper pipes as recently as in the mid-80s. It can be expensive to replace entire plumbing systems, depending on how much of the home must be demolished to get the work done.

 

  • Lead Paint: Theoretically, lead paint isn’t always a problem since it only raises a health issue when ingested. Unfortunately, if you have children, you can count on them finding ways to eat the paint. Also the paint may flake or chip and the chips can easily contaminate soil or get into foods or drinks. It really isn’t worth taking the risk. Getting rid of lead paint may mean stripping all the old paint from the house, or even replacing its siding.

Asbestos

Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in furnaces and boilers, and even in water pipes leading to radiators. Some vinyl and linoleum, and even certain ceiling treatments also incorporated asbestos. Asbestos must be removed by specialists, which can of course be expensive.

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Air Purification – The Basics

April 24th, 2011

Pollution is constant in our world today. This may be found in different aspects of our lives but constant nonetheless. Air pollution is the most common and the most direct of them all. There is always one product in the market today that caters to all air purification needs. All you have to do is know how to find it.

So that you are able to pick the best air purification that suits you best, you should therefore understand first and foremost the types of air pollution.

Radon Gas Pollution

When uranium within the earth results to radioactive breakdown, it causes radon gas pollution. Although it is the heaviest of gasses, it is totally colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Yellow color indicates that radon is below freezing and red-orange means that it’s even colder. One of the fatal effects of radon in our body is lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of the illness which is also worsen by smoking. Radon can be found everywhere in our surrounding.

Testing your household for radon is one of the ideal solutions to this type of pollution. You can purchase a test kit in most hardware stores in your area. Fissures and cracks in your property’s groundwork should be closed. For the most part, a ventilation system within the home is the immediate solution. Consult an expert for installation.

Chemical Fumes and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

As the title implies, this kind of pollution is caused by chemicals. Some of these are results of tobacco use, building construction, and so on. But most chemicals in this class are formaldehyde and benzene, those that are present from furniture upholstery, carpets, drapes, or home cleaning products. Other types are from beauty items like nail removers, nail polish, and the like. It is to be noted that most of these chemicals are tagged as carcinogens.

To reduce exposure to such pollution, the ideal solution you should take is to use products that generate catalytic oxidation.

Pollution Caused by Microbial Organisms

Microbial organisms are microscopic bacteria such as fungi, mildew, mold, and mycotoxins- a toxic secondary metabolite produced by organisms of the fungus, and different viruses. Damp places cultivate the spread of these bacteria. Places like under the carpet, heating and aircon ducts, as well as your walls are a few locations where these bacteria thrive on.

Find oxidation products in the market that kills microbial bacteria for it is the ideal solution so far for this type of pollution.

Pollution Caused by Odor

Similar to air, odor is caused by so many different things at any given place or time. It can be derived from human and animal, from things and circumstances. Odor pollution may not be potentially harmful to the body but it can be downright sickening.

You can battle odor pollution with odor absorbents (sponges), disinfectant sprays and products, as well as oxidation products.

Pollution Caused by Particulate

When you take a look at the sunlight coming through a glass door or window, you will notice that there are particles floating in that ray of light. Those are particulates. These potentially include dirt, dust, skin flakes, pollen, smoke, allergens, dust mites, and even dust mite feces. If you own a pet, this can also include pet dander.

Filtration system is one way to fight off pollution caused by particulates. You can also use negative ions to reduce or eliminate such threat to your health.

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Longboat Key Condos – What To Do After You Agree To Purchase One

April 22nd, 2011

You have found your dream condo on Longboat Key, Florida and have entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the owner of the condo. Now what?

Hopefully, you had a good Realtor or attorney write the real estate contract. If so, then you have the ability to do any and all inspections to the subject property.  It should allow you to test for anything like radon, flood risk, termites and mold. What inspections should you perform?

You definitely should perform a general home inspection. It is better to know what is wrong with the property prior to purchasing it. Once the seller has your money you lose most of your leverage. The chances of the seller fixing something after you own the condo and moved into it are slim to none. The cost of a general home inspection is certainly worth it.

You should also consider doing a mold inspection. They generally run about $250 however that is a small price to pay if there is a mold problem. I recently sold a condo in the Aquarius community on Longboat Key. The entire unit was full of mold. However, you could not see it with the naked eye unless you walked around with a flash light. There was also no noticeable smell. ‘

Remember, that these condos are often left unattended for months at a time. Florida has its humidity in the summer time. Mold loves moisture and darkness. If those conditions exist then there is a strong chance of mold.

The condo I sold had mold because the owner left the hurricane shutters down for 18 months straight and did not run the air conditioner as much as needed. They were trying to save a few bucks and run the air conditioner sparingly. As a result mold grew over everything. The cost of clean was roughly $7,000 to the seller. Had the buyer not done a mold inspection they would have eventually had to absorb that cost. Do a mold inspection.

I have had people test for Radon. It is not a common occurrence in Florida. However, I have heard stories of Radon. Again, it might be worth the investment.

After you enter into the contract you get 3 days to check the financial information, rules and regulations of the condo association. Carefully examine the budgets. Perhaps the roof is in need of replacement and there is not enough money in reserve. When you buy the condo you might be immediately hit with an assessment.

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Have You Tested Your Water Lately?

April 22nd, 2011

Radiation has already reached the United States from the tragic earthquake that hit Japan. While it will take a lot more time for the other debris from the tsunami to actually begin to wash up on shore, the air currents brought the radiation much quicker. This has caused a fury of purchases of iodine pills to help people feel like they can protect their thyroid from the potential over exposure to radiation. This isn’t a little situation, it has caused a whole lot of reaction and overreaction all across the U.S. while a completely unnoticed situation is lurking and most don’t even know it. Uranium found right here in our soil – and in our drinking water – is very dangerous yet most American’s aren’t even aware that it might be a problem.

Uranium is a naturally-occurring radioactive mineral present in nature in certain types of rock like granite, shale, and sandstone. When groundwater comes in contact with these rock formations, the mineral can dissolve into the water and move on downstream. Wells drilled to draw water from underground sources where it flows through bedrock are more likely than other wells to contain higher levels of uranium than is recommended. Not only does uranium leach from natural deposits, it is released in mill tailings in mining, is an emission from nuclear industry, and is used in phosphate fertilizers. Uranium isn’t known as an inhaled toxin, it is an ingested toxin. Thus the concern over uranium in drinking water is a very real concern. Consuming too much uranium has harmful effects on the kidneys and bones. Both public drinking water supplies and private wells should be tested for uranium to ensure the water is safe to drink.

About 99% of the uranium ingested in food or water will leave the body, but the remainder will enter the blood and be removed by the kidneys and a small amount will deposit in a person’s bones where it will remain for years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working to determine safe levels, and a 2011 document offering a provisional guideline suggests that 0.03mg/L may be a conservative level. The WHO says that the “guideline value for uranium remains provisional because of the difficulties in identifying an exposure level at which effects might be expected from the scientific data.”

Despite the recommended safe levels, is there really any level of uranium that we want in our water? The other side of uranium is its partner radon. When uranium breaks down radon gas is produced. Radon is the gas that collects in homes usually in basements and greatly increases the risk of lung cancer when inhaled. These two contaminants are not ones to mess with. Even when home interiors are protected from radon gas infiltration, well water high in uranium can bring it into the home and expose occupants to the gas during high water use activities like showering. If uranium is present, it is possible that radon is too, and either one is one contaminant too many.

Uranium cannot be detected by taste, sight, or smell. The only way to know the concentration is through sampling and testing. All community water systems serving at least 25 persons on a regular, year-round basis are required to test for uranium. While most Safe Drinking Water Act regulations apply to all public water supplies, the uranium regulation is an exception. It does not apply to public water supplies that are classified as non-community. A non-community water system is a public water system that is not a community water system, for example schools, factories, businesses, rest areas, convenience stores, or camping facilities with their own water supplies. That is quite a difference in regulations. To think that our schools that fall in the non-community water system category can have drinking water that isn’t tested for uranium is of great concern.

Private water supplies like private wells are not regulated at all. Regular testing isn’t required under state or federal law. If users want to know the concentration of uranium in a private water supply, they must have the water tested at their own expense. Tests to determine the presence of uranium in drinking water should be done by a laboratory certified for uranium testing. Not all laboratories are certified for uranium testing. In fact not all laboratories are certified to test for all drinking water contaminants.

Uranium concentration can vary over time. Because of this, water should be tested over four consecutive quarters and the results of those four tests should be averaged to give the more correct levels of uranium possibly present in the water.

Uranium as well as radon can be removed from drinking water. Because uranium is an ingested toxin, showering in water with high uranium concentrations isn’t thought to be harmful other than the radon connection. Therefore installing a water treatment system to the tap for drinking and cooking is really the only treatment necessary. The most common home water treatment systems on the market today that will remove uranium, radon and other contaminants are the reverse osmosis system, distillation systems, systems using anion exchange, and special absorbent media (such as titanium dioxide). Boiling water is not an effective means of removing uranium and neither is a pour-through faucet-mounted or pitcher activated carbon filters.

While uranium in drinking water isn’t necessarily high on the life-threatening list, it still is of concern. Just the same as the airborne radiation being of concern to most Americans, though it isn’t in high enough concentrations to really do damage, we want to be aware of it and know what is going on. The same is true of our drinking water. We want to know what is in it, at what levels, and if it is safe to drink. Fortunately, with all the technology we have today we also have a number of smart home water treatment systems to choose from. These systems have been developed specifically because of all the contaminants we find in our water today.

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What’s On Tap?

April 20th, 2011

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental action organization, recently conducted an in-depth study into the quality of drinking water across the United States. Reviewing the tap water quality data for 19 major US cities, including Los Angeles, they compiled their findings and made them available to the public in June of 2003. 11 contaminants were labeled to be of “high concern” or “some concern” for the LA area’s water supply. Since much of Los Angeles and Orange County drinking water comes from the same two sources, the Colorado River and Northern California, this information should be of note to those living in the Orange County area.

Five contaminants fell under the “high concern” category, including Lead, Perchlorate, Radon, Haloacetic Acids (HAAs) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs).

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that generally enters the drinking supplies due to the corrosion of pipes, plumbing or faucets. Often, the lead levels of the water at your home are much higher than the levels from the water’s source. This is usually the result of contamination that may be occurring at your home, due to old or corroded pipes. The national standard (NS) for lead, as determined by the EPA, is 15 ppb.

Health Effects: Infants, young children and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of lead. In serious cases, poisoning can cause permanent brain damage and, in less severe cases, can cause children to suffer from decreased intelligence and problems with growth, development and behavior. In adults, lead can increase blood pressure, harm kidney function, adversely affect the nervous system and damage red blood cells.

Perchlorate

Perchlorate in the water usually comes from rocket fuel spills or leaks at military facilities. Additionally, perchlorate is used in a variety of products and applications, including electronic tubes, vehicle airbags, leather tanning and fireworks. The NS is 4 ppb, however no level has been determined to be safe.

Health Effects: Perchlorate disrupts the thyroid function and is a suspected carcinogen. Changes in thyroid hormone levels can result in thyroid gland tumors. In children, thyroid disruption can adversely affect proper development and in adults it can interfere with metabolism regulation. Disruption of the thyroid in pregnant women may impact the fetus and result in delayed development and decreased learning ability.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. The NS is an average of 300 pCi/L.

Health Effects: Radon is known to cause lung cancer. No level is considered to be safe and a single particle of radon can cause cancer. The EPA estimates that radon in drinking water causes approximately 168 deaths from lung and stomach cancer each year (89% from lung cancer caused by breathing radon released to the indoor air from water, 11% from stomach cancer caused by consuming water that contains radon). Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, after smoking.

Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)/Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

HAAs and TTHMs are volatile organic contaminates often referred to as disinfection by-products or organochlorines and result when chlorine used to disinfect drinking water interacts with organic matter in the water. The EPA has classified some TTHMs as probable human carcinogens. The NS for HAAs is an average of 60 ppb and for TTHMs, an average of 80 ppb.

Health Effects: Disinfection by-products have been linked to cancers of the bladder, pancreas, colon, rectum, brain, and childhood leukemia.

The following six contaminants fell under the category of “some concern”:

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a waterborne parasite that lives and reproduces by the millions in both animal and human intestines until it is shed in the feces. The NS is 0.

Health Effects: Cryptosporidium can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping and fever for up to 2 weeks. Currently there is no antibiotic that can kill the parasite. It poses a significant health risk to children and those with weakened immune systems.

Total Coliform Bacteria (TCM)

TCM is a broad class of bacteria, many of which live in the intestines of humans and animals. Most coliform bacteria are harmless, however their presence indicates that the water may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli. The NS for TCM is 0.

Arsenic

Arsenic found in drinking supplies comes from mining, industrial processes, past use of arsenic containing pesticides, and natural leaching erosion from rock. Currently the NS for arsenic is 50 ppb but will be lowered to 10 ppb in 2006.

Health Effects: Arsenic is toxic to humans and a known carcinogen. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has determined that arsenic in drinking water is known to cause cancer of the bladder, skin and lungs. An NAS report published in 2001 stated that a person who drinks 2 liters of water a day (containing 10 ppb arsenic) has a lifetime total fatal cancer risk greater than 1 in 333.

Chromium

Chromium is a naturally occurring metal used in industrial processes, including metal plating for chrome bumpers and making stainless steel, paint, rubber and wood preservatives. The NS for chromium is 100 ppb.

Health Effects: Chromium ingestion can cause a host of health problems, ranging form skin irritation to damage to kidney, liver and nerve tissue.

Gross Alpha Radiation (GAR)/Gross Beta Radiation (GBR
)
GAR and GBR generally result from the decay of radioactive minerals in underground rocks and are sometimes by-products of the mining and nuclear industries. The NS for GAR is an average of 15 pCi/L and for GBR, an average of 50 pCi/L.

Health Effects: No level of exposure to GAR or GBR is considered safe as they are both radioactive and can cause cancer.

Uranium

Uranium is released from minerals in the ground, often as the result of mining or as a by-product of the nuclear industry. The NS for uranium is 30 micrograms/L.

Health Effects: Uranium is radioactive and known to cause cancer when ingested. The EPA has determined that it causes serious kidney damage at levels above 300 mcg/L.

While Orange County has strict regulations on the quality of drinking water, you should still be aware of what is coming out of your tap. The EPA established national standards are determined to be the highest level of contaminants allowed in the water. The NRDC however, maintains that no level of any of these contaminants is safe.

So what can you do? First, contact the EPA for a list of state-certified labs that can test the water at your home. Finding out what is in your tap water can help you to determine what kind of filtration system is right for you. Your water standards should be higher than the EPA’s to ensure the safety of your family.

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Waterproofing Expert Sees Better Home Values and Green-Collar Jobs in Indoor Air Quality Upgrade

April 18th, 2011

As this nation debates health care reform and frets about the economy, a crawl space sealing contractor is preaching a unique path to recovery that he believes offers three essential benefits: improved home values, safer personal environments, and endless green-collar jobs.

The health care debate too often blinds us to an alarming truth: one of the greatest dangers to health is the accumulation of poisonous gases and other pollutants in the underbelly of residential real estate. Without proper mitigation, American homeowners and their families remain vulnerable to costly and deadly chronic respiratory diseases – regardless of health care innovations.

I’m convinced that as a nation we are ignoring our health and safety. It amazes me that even in this modern age, many homeowners and realtors are not aware that fifty percent of the air we breathe in our homes originates in the basement or crawl space. Radon gas, pesticides buried in the soil and the off-gassing of oriented strand board (OSB) that is used to build our floors and foundations, all contribute to the danger.

Encapsulating a crawl space is the first step when cleaning indoor air. The next step is installing an Active Moisture & Soil Gas Management System. This innovative approach uses a wireless Sunsei solar-powered shed ventilator to reverse a home’s field of pull so that soil gases and vapor are sucked out of the living environment. The fan is a back up measure that will ensure the removal of airborne contaminants in the event that the encapsulation is compromised.

If I had it my way, each community would sponsor a meeting of contractors, government officials, real estate professionals and homeowners. Together they would debate the facts and set much higher environmental standards for housing. Fortunately, doing so would spur the economy in two significant ways. First, improving indoor air quality through proper encapsulation of crawl spaces can actually add value to a home – and a “Cadillac” upgrade is relatively inexpensive – while cutting health costs. Next, the increased demand for these services would create green-collar job opportunities. In 2008, both presidential candidates articulated the need for creating this type of work force.

It’s a win-win situation. A contractor with his head held high could provide a quality ‘green’ service that will grow his business and perhaps allow him to hire more workers. The homeowner benefits from a service that won’t break the bank and eliminates a health risk. If I can add value to my home and get it back on the sale, why wouldn’t I do it?

Homeowners would be wise to calculate the dire financial consequences of job loss due to poor health, and then compare that to the cost of indoor air quality remediation. Contractors eager to expand revenue might do the math for prospective clients. Help the homeowner understand that they either have clean air or contaminated air. There is no in-between.

Home buyers and sellers are familiar with inspections for radon gas, a natural but poisonous soil gas. But there are other dangers. For example, many new sub-divisions are built on land that was once used for agriculture, where fertilizers and pesticides were prevalent. Buried, forgotten fuel tanks might also be a source of contamination. Homeowners should research the history of the land they live on.

Homeowners must always be aware that many contractors specialize. Perhaps they are HVAC or radon experts only. These professionals tend to micromanage one element that affects indoor air quality without looking at big picture.
Once again, the lack of correct information provides an opportunity for contractors and other workers who may be seeking a career change: Become a ‘green’ indoor air quality specialist. Those who answer the call may find themselves at the forefront of a movement that wants it all – clean air and economic stability.

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