Radon gas: The hidden health risk in the home

Radon levels can vary greatly from one house
to the next, experts say.

Health officials in North America have been ringing the alarm bells over radon for years – the colorless and odorless radioactive gas is difficult to detect, but it may be present in thousands of homes.

People know about the risks of tobacco smoke when it comes to lung cancer, but radon doesn’t get nearly as much publicity and public awareness, experts warn.

And this, even though radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

What is radon?

Radon occurs naturally in the soil and it can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and the house itself. With so many homes being more energy efficient and airtight, it can build up indoors to dangerous levels.

In fact, the risk of dying of lung cancer because of radon in your home is one out of 50, the experts say.

In some regions, radon may be more prevalent than in other areas, and lung cancer rates often reflect that.

Testing for radon

Radon testing is recommended for every home – and it is very easy and inexpensive. Radon levels can vary greatly from one house to the next, so a neighbor’s results do not reflect one’s own risks.

Testing for radon takes about three months to get a good average, and health officials recommend retesting every two years since radon levels depends on the soil conditions and the pressure in the home and can fluctuate a lot over time.

Home renovation projects can change the pressure in a home as well, so radon testing should be done after the work is completed.

Source: WSIL3 ABC News

Radon and other indoor air hazards

Radon and other indoor air pollutants can be mitigated with better ventilation, certain home improvement projects and air cleaning systems.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA that can help reduce exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, dust, particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses and mold.

The multistage filtration system offers the most relevant filtration media at the best price – guaranteed (ask about the guarantee when speaking to an AllerAir IAQ expert or when placing your order).

AllerAir’s air purifiers are powerful general purpose air cleaners, and they can be equipped with special features and options to address specific air quality concerns such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, allergy and asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, tobacco smoke and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Signs of poor indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality can affect all
household members.

Now that winter is coming, we are getting ready to spend even more time indoors, so we should make sure that we are breathing the best possible air at home and at work.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a home has an indoor air quality problem, but there are few clues that you should consider:

Condensation on the windows

If windows need to be toweled dry often because they steam up and the water is running down them, it usually means that the house is sealed too tightly and that there is not enough ventilation.

Just as the humidity gets sealed indoors, so do the other indoor air pollutants such as VOCs (organic chemicals), particles, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Experts recommend using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen whenever possible, opening a window regularly and using a dehumidifier.

An air purification system with carbon and HEPA can also remove pollutants such as chemicals, particles, mold, bacteria and viruses and help move the air around as well.

'Cold' symptoms that won’t go away

If you have watery eyes, a dry and itchy throat, headaches and trouble breathing and your symptoms last longer than a typical cold, then your indoor air quality may be too blame.

Feeling stuffed up?
It may be the IAQ in your home.

Your body may be reacting to the chemicals and VOCs that are introduced into the indoor air environment by building materials, paints, harsh cleaning products, scented air “freshening” products, personal care products, electronic equipment, combustion appliances like gas cook stoves and more.

The best way to ensure better indoor air quality is source control. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or renovation materials that are high in VOCs, opt for natural alternatives whenever possible and simply be aware. Even small, simple steps make a difference.

Many of these concerns can also be mitigated by increasing the building’s ventilation and using an air cleaner with activated carbon and HEPA.

A musty odor in the home

If you come home and are taken aback by a musty or foul smell, then you should try to find the cause. If it’s not the garbage that needs to be emptied, it may be mold.

Check your home’s humidity levels, plumbing and identify possible leaks and make sure that there is no mold in your home. If you find some, follow the right steps to remove it (if it is not too big) or hire a company for the remediation.

Prevent mold from growing by fixing any leaks or water damage right away, drying all the affected areas (mold can start growing after 24-48 hours of excessive humidity) and keeping the indoor humidity level low.

Want to find out more about indoor air filtration systems? Contact AllerAir directly or take advantage of our online model and sizing guides to find the right model for you.
  

Tips to remove common household odors

Get rid of bad smells and odors in your home.

Having a strange smell and not know why or where it’s coming from can drive homeowners crazy.

In fact, in their search to find the cause and eliminate household odors, they can spend a lot of money.

But while sometimes an IAQ specialist’s or a plumber’s help is needed, there are many things homeowners can do to prevent stinky odors.

Air out and maintain little-used rooms
Open the windows or doors to little-used guest rooms and other areas and run the water in little-used bathrooms once a week or more. If they are not used for a long time, the water in the pipes leading to the sewer evaporates and methane-sulfur gases may build up and enter through the drain into the room.

Inspect your rooftop vents
A steady breeze or wind can create positive pressure in rooftop vents, which are supposed to release sewer gas into the air, and force the gas back into the house. The solution is to make the vent pipe long enough to avoid these drafts and let the foul smells escape.

Clean the sink pipe
If you notice a sour smell coming from one drain, it may be due to an obstructed sink pipe (also called P-trap). It may be caused by hair, toothpaste, gel, dirt and other substances. You can either take off the P-trap and clean it out or treat the drain with an enzyme-based cleaner.

Check your water heater
If the water smells bad, it may because of a deteriorating anode rod. They should be replaced every six months to six years.

Ban indoor smoking and get rid of stale smoke odors
Smoke odors tend to cling to carpets, air ducts, walls, furniture etc, so a thorough cleaning may be needed, or you can simply use an air purifier for smoke from AllerAir.

Air out your washing machine
Front-load washers can start to smell musty if you keep the door locked all the time. That’s because water can’t evaporate and mold can grow. The easy solution is to leave the door open when the washer is not in use.

Remove irritating pet odors
Pet urine stains on carpets or floors may release odors if the house gets humid or if the carpet is cleaned. A professional cleaner may use an enzyme cleaner to actually remove the stains.

Source: rosieonthehouse.com

Air purifiers from AllerAir to
remove odors and chemicals.

Enjoy breathing cleaner, healthier air with AllerAir air purifiers for the home and office, air scrubbers for smoke, air cleaners for allergies and asthma, air purifiers for mold, and more.

Contact AllerAir for available options and a personalized recommendation based on your indoor air concern, your budget and your preferences.