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Home Health Hazards
You can be exposed to physical, chemical, and biological hazards in your home. Learn what to do about mold, lead, asbestos, or other contaminants that pose serious health concerns.
What is it?
Lead is a toxic metal that is persistent in the environment and can build up in the body over time.
No measurable amount of lead is considered safe in the human body. Lead is especially dangerous for children. Because no safe blood level has been identified for young children, all sources of lead exposure for children should be controlled or eliminated.
Risk will vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed.
Paint and dust are potential sources of lead poisoning in older homes. Lead might also come from contaminated soil, drinking water, children’s toys and jewelry, workplace and hobby hazards, imported candy, and traditional home remedies and cosmetics.
Health Risks
If swallowed or inhaled, lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Children six years old and younger are the most at risk from the effects of lead. Their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
You can take steps to lower the risk of lead exposure in your home:
- Follow the EPA’s guidelines for lead renovation, repair and painting.
- Inspect and maintain painted surfaces. Clean them with a wet sponge or rag to avoid stirring up lead-contaminated dust.
- Keep your home clean and dust-free.
- Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
- Test your drinking water.
Testing Lead in Drinking Water
The following laboratories are certified by the Washington State Department of Ecology to test for Lead. You can collect water samples yourself and take your samples to one of these laboratories for testing. Please contact the laboratory to verify correct sampling processes and associated fees:
- Edge Analytical Inc. – Bellingham 805 W. Orchard Street, Suite 4 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 715-1212 (800) 755-9295
- Exact Scientific Services, Inc. 1355 Pacific Place Suite #101 Ferndale, WA 98248 (360) 733-1205
Additional Information
For more information on lead exposure and abatement, visit the Washington State Department of Health Lead page.
For more information on lead in drinking water, visit Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water (EPA) and Lead in Drinking Water (CDC).
What is it?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks and soil. It used to be commonly used in building materials and is still used in some products today. Potential sources of asbestos are shingles, insulation, siding, and flooring.
Health Risks
Asbestos-containing materials are generally not a health risk when they are intact and undisturbed. If asbestos-containing materials are damaged, disturbed, or deteriorate over time, you can inhale the microscopic fibers and damage your lungs. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos has health problems, but when health problems do develop, they range from manageable to severe.
Most people don’t show any signs or symptoms of asbestos-related disease for 10 to 20 years or more after exposure. When symptoms do appear, they might seem similar other health problems. Only a doctor can tell if your symptoms are asbestos-related.
Additional Information
For more information about the health risks of asbestos, visit the Washington State Department of Health.
What is it?
Meth is commonly smoked, and it leaves a residue on anything it comes into contact with. If you are living in a home or use another building that has been used to smoke or cook meth, you could be exposed to toxic chemicals that might cause:
- Burns.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness or nausea.
- Headaches.
- Nervousness and anxiety.
In the long run, you might also be at risk for cancer, brain damage, birth defects, reproductive problems, or liver and kidney damage if you are exposed to toxins.
Children are at higher risk of contact with the toxins from meth because their skin touches contaminated surfaces while crawling and because they place contaminated objects in their mouths.
Protection
If you are living in a meth-contaminated property, take steps to protect your and your family’s health. If possible, do not stay at the property until it has been cleaned and decontaminated. The property should be decontaminated by a licensed meth decontamination company. Visit the Washington State Department of Health for a list of licensed meth-decontamination companies.
Additional Information
For more information about meth decontamination, visit JLM Environmental.
Health Risks
Most molds do not harm healthy people, but people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience
- Congestion.
- Cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Eye irritation.
- Running nose.
- Skin rash.
- Worse asthma symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems or lung disease may be at greater risk for infections from molds.
Mold in the Home
When mold grows inside a house, it’s because there is too much moisture around. The excess moisture is typically caused by either not airing out the home well enough or by a water leak.
- If the problem is a lack of airflow, air out your home as much as possible. Try to air it out for at least 20 minutes twice a day, and make sure that there is nothing blocking airflow in the house.
- If the problem is a water leak inside the walls or behind an appliance, the leak must be fixed and the area must be dried out completely. You might need to remove part of the wall if the mold damage is too extensive to clean.
Cleaning Mold
To clean mold, start by using a clean rag and soapy water to remove the mold. Be sure to rinse the area with a lot of clean water while cleaning. After the mold has been removed, wipe the area with a bleach solution to remove any lingering mold spores.
Additional Information
For more information about mold, visit the Northwest Clean Air Agency.
What is it?
Rodents, especially rats, are present almost everywhere, in rural and urban living spaces. Rodents are typically looking for two things: food and shelter. Rodents can carry a host of diseases, including hantavirus.
Reducing the Risk of Rodent Infestation
Try these tips to minimize the chance of a rodent infestation in your home:
- Do not store unsecured food outside.
- Clean up fruits or vegetables from your garden regularly.
- Seal up any holes that lead into your home. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel.
- Trim bushes next to your house so that they are not resting against it and providing shelter.
- Store firewood or lumber away from your home.
Additional Information
Get more information about rodent control from the Washington State Department of Health.