Is the dust and debris from gypsum wall board dangerous to my health?
It depends on what is in the dust and how much of it one is exposed to. Gypsum board may contain mold, fiberglass, and other substances that if inhaled in sufficient quantities can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems. Even if none of these substances are present, gypsum board contains silica that can cause serious lung problems if inhaled.
We live next to a Brownfield site. How can I keep my family safe?
Not all brownfield sites necessarily contain dangerous chemicals. It's best to contact your state's department of environmental health to determine if the site has been investigated, to find out which chemicals are actually present, and what the likelihood of exposure is.
I have no children and children do not visit my house. Should I worry about lead-based paint?
While children are more susceptible to lead poisoning, adults who sand, dry-scrape, or otherwise disturb lead-based paint can also be poisoned by lead. In addition, the lead may be a problem for children who occupy such housing in the future. Any time lead painted surfaces are being disturbed, lead-safe work practices should be followed. More information is available here: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/library/lead/LeadGuide_Eng.pdf
Should I replace my aluminum wiring with copper?
Aluminum wiring is no longer used in housing electrical systems, because it has been linked to fires. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated two million homes in the United States were built or renovated using electrical circuits with aluminum wiring. In particular, some homes built or renovated between 1965 and 1973 may have had aluminum wiring installed to feed branch circuits that run from the main electrical panel to the outlets and lighting fixtures.
The best way to determine whether a home has aluminum wiring is to hire a professional. A homeowner may be able to identify an aluminum-wired system by looking at the cables that run through the basement or attic to see if the cable is labeled "AL" or Aluminum.
If a home does have aluminum wiring, the CPSC recommends two actions.
- Complete replacement of the system. This may be too expensive for many homeowners, as it can cost $8,000 or more.
- Replace every connection in every outlet, switch and junction box with a copper pigtail using a special Copalum connection — a short piece of copper wire is bonded to the aluminum wire using a tool designed specifically for the task. The copper wire makes the connection. It may be difficult to find an electrician to make a Copalum repair. Information about certified contractors is available through Tyco at (800) 522-6752.
CPSC Aluminum Wiring Fact Sheet
Is carpeting unhealthy?
If I have carpeting in my home, what should I do to make it healthier for my family?
If you steam clean carpet, be sure to dry it thoroughly to avoid lingering moisture that can attract pests or lead to mold. If possible, replace carpeting when it is worn or heavily soiled, and be sure to clean second-hand rugs before using them.
Should I avoid installing wall-to-wall carpet?
You should avoid wall-to-wall carpet in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, or other areas of a home where moisture is a potential problem. Instead, use hard flooring with non-skid features. Small area rugs, such as bath mats, may be used in these rooms to help protect against slips and falls and for comfort, but they should be washed frequently. Choose water-resistant floors in basements and other rooms that are directly above the ground.
If I decide to remove carpeting, what flooring option should I replace it with?
Consider replacing carpeting with a smooth, non-absorbent, non-skid surface. Hard flooring options to consider include wood, ceramic, linoleum, rubber, marmoleum (a natural floor covering manufactured with linseed oil, wood, flour, resin, jute, and finely crushed limestone and mineral pigments), and wood laminate. There is emerging evidence that some hard flooring (such as vinyl flooring) containing phthalates (a type of plasticizer) may contribute to asthma. These types of floors should be avoided, or at a minimum they should be cleaned regularly with a damp mop to reduce dust. You should also use care when removing carpet to ensure that contaminated dust or allergens in the carpeting are not made accessible to occupants
If I want to install carpet in my home, are there certain types of carpeting that are better for my family?
If you install carpeting, allow the carpeting to thoroughly air out before using the area. Consider buying a carpet that has a Green Label or Green Label Plus from the Carpet Research Institute to reduce exposure to harmful volatile organic compounds that can be used in carpeting or adhesive. Also consider installing low-pile carpet, which is easier to clean than high-pile carpet.
This information was excerpted from a new NCHH fact sheet summarizing the research regarding carpets and healthy homes. To view the complete fact sheet, click here.
I recently had my home remodeled and I am afraid the contractor may have used Chinese drywall. What are the problems associated with Chinese drywall and how can I tell if it’s present in my home?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that Chinese drywall can have deleterious affects on your health and the health of your home. If you are suffering from the health symptoms described as common to the reports of exposure to problem drywall (irritated and itchy eyes and skin, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, bloody noses, runny noses, recurrent headaches, sinus infection, and asthma attacks), please consult your physician as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you experience any of the electrical or fire safety concerns described as common to the reports of exposure to problem drywall, please consult your local gas or electric supplier and a licensed electrician or building inspector as soon as possible. The most commonly reported problems are blackened and corroded metal in homes. Particularly, consumers have reported premature failures of central air conditioning evaporator coils located indoors as part of the central air conditioning unit air handler; and intermittent operation or failure of appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, and electronic devices, such as televisions and video game systems. Please click here to learn more.