Safe Drinking Water (Source: EPA Website) |
Drinking Water Contamination
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Surface and groundwater supplies often require treatment to remove particles of solid matter, reduce health risks, and improve aesthetic qualities such as appearance, odor, color and taste. The introduction of the disinfection and/or sand filtration processes into water treatment at many utilities in the U.S. has dramatically reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. However, more than 89,000 case of waterborne disease caused by microorganisms still occur in the United States each year. Worldwide, the United Nations estimates one-fifth of all people still do not have regular access to safe drinking water.
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| Chemical contaminants, both natural and synthetic, might also be present in water supplies. Contamination problems in ground water are frequently chemical in nature and can often be linked to pesticides and nitrates from agricultural lands, metals and organic chemicals from leaking underground storage tanks and landfills, and microbial contaminants from septic tanks. More recently, concern has increased about contaminants that are introduced by the water treatment process and distribution systems. These contaminants include lead, copper, coliforms from biofilm growths on the inside of piping, and disinfection by-products. Contact us at realty@rapidcity.com for more information. |
Lead Hazards |
Lead Hazard Prevention in Homes Pamphlet Released
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have released for distribution and reproduction a pamphlet titled Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. This 14-page pamphlet provides prevention tips on reducing exposure to lead hazards from paint, dust, and soil in residential areas. Its publication was directed by Congress, which charged EPA with developing a lead hazard information pamphlet to inform families about how to reduce exposure to lead hazards in the home.
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EPA developed this pamphlet in cooperation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CPSC, and 14 other federal agencies involved in the fight to eliminate lead poisoning. In addition to supplementing EPA, HUD, and CPSC's public education programs, the publication will be distributed under the regulation developed by EPA and HUD dealing with sales, rentals, and renovations of older housing. Contact Raben Real Estate for a free brochure.
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Lead Hazards in Housing
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Approximately three-quarters of the nation's housing stock built before 1978 contains lead-based paint. When properly managed and maintained, this paint poses little risk. If improperly managed, however, lead from paint can threaten the health of occupants, especially children under 6 years of age. Over time, low-level exposure to lead from paint, dust, soil and plumbing can cause a range of health problems including permanent damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. In sufficient levels, lead can also cause health problems in adults. Because of its effects on fetal development, lead exposure is particularly harmful to pregnant women and women of child-bearing age. Such exposure is largely preventable if people take precautionary measures.
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Simple Steps To Protect Your Family From Lead Hazards
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If you think you home has high levels of lead:
- Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.
- Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
- Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.
- Get your home checked for lead hazards.
- Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces.
- Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
- Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
- Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).
- Don't use a belt sander, propane torch, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
- Don’t try to remove lead-based paint yourself.
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Radon (RN) |
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.
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You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you risk of lung cancer is especially high.
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Radon can be found all over the U.S.
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Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and build up to high levels. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home. That's where you spend most of your time.
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You should test for radon.
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Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools. Testing is inexpensive and easy - it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon.
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You can fix a radon problem.
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There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren't too costly. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Contact Raben Real Estate for a free brochure.
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Biological Contaminants
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Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home.
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By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30 to 50 percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.
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Reducing Exposure to Biological Contaminants
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- Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.
- Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.
- If using cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers, clean appliances according to manufacturer's instructions and refill with fresh water daily
- Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and replacement.
- Keep the house clean. House dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning.
- Take steps to minimize biological pollutants in basement.
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Biological Pollutants in Your Home, January 1990 (402-F-90-102) is a brochure prepared by the American Lung Association and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that explains indoor biological pollution, health effects of biological pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup. One third of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage development of pollutants such as mold and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions - including asthma - and spread infectious diseases. The publication describes corrective measures for achieving moisture control and cleanliness.
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Pollutants/Toxics
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Pollutants come from many different sources and enter the air, water and land in a variety of ways. EPA's role is to protect plants, animals, humans, wildlife, aquatic life, and the environment from the negative effects pollutants and toxic substances can have on their health. The EPA regulates the production and distribution of commercial and industrial chemicals in order to ensure that chemicals made available for sale and use in the United States do not harm human health or the environment. Along with the regulation of these substances, the Agency has created databases and documents that further the knowledge of the American people about the effects and prevalence of such substances.
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Mold
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Introduction to Molds
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Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor an outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
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Basic Mold Cleanup
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The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24 - 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
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Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
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- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30 to 60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditions and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles that are moldy may need to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.
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For more information on environmental concerns and related publications, go to www.epa.gov
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This information is deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed for accuracy.
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Raben Real Estate
302 Main Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
1-605-342-7272  Toll Free: 1-888-341-7272
Fax: 1-605-343-8900 |
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