Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. The gas is everywhere, but it can rise to dangerous levels in your home. How do you protect yourself and your family from radon gas? Stealthy visitor As rock decays, the uranium and thorium it contains break down into… Read more »
People who would never use drugs can inadvertently purchase a home where methamphetamine was produced. Meth production leaves behind a toxic residue that can cause health problems for later residents of the house and developmental deficiencies in children. Here is how to avoid buying a meth-tainted home. How to spot a meth house Fumes from… Read more »
Today’s energy-efficient houses have reduced carbon emissions and saved homeowners billions in utility costs. But these airtight homes can prevent toxic substances from escaping. The same can happen in poorly ventilated spaces. The result is known as sick house syndrome, which can make a home’s occupants ill. Here’s what you need to know to keep… Read more »
As technology has grown and land has become more scarce, more and more subdivisions are being built near high tension power lines. Is this potentially harmful to residents’ health? The National Institutes of Health, the agency of the federal government commissioned with researching and analyzing health and medical topics, has devoted considerable research to this… Read more »
If you buy a home built before 1978, there’s a possibility asbestos may lurk in the building materials. Houses built from the 1800s through the early 1950s used asbestos extensively before the material was phased out. Should you be concerned? What is it and why is it dangerous? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that… Read more »
Homes built before 1990 are considered “older” by today’s standards, and those built before 1920 are considered vintage or “heritage.” Owning an older home brings a whole set of challenges not found with newer homes, one of them being the use of environmentally dangerous building materials. Most environmental issues fall under the jurisdiction of the… Read more »
