RADON causes LUNG CANCER.

We had a speaker this morning at our office who is a termite inspector, building inspector and Radon inspector.  He got his training on Radon in Colorado where it's a real problem due to the mountains and basements.  He says after learning what he did, he thinks it's well worth the cost to have your house tested, because it can be remediated if Radon is found, and if you have it and don't test, a loved one may end up with cancer.  YUCK!!

I'm concerned because I have a basement.  But he said that's what people think, that only basement's have this problem.  But he said actually any slab house is just as at risk.  He says he sees less in pier and beam homes if the foundation footing has adequate ventilation.  (Mine have been plugged up with spray on foam - I will get that removed.).

He said the newer the home, the more likely there is some radon because the new homes are built under such strict codes they are so air tight the gases build up and can't get out.  He said it is very important to periodically open the windows and let the gases go out of the house.  He says carpet is a bad thing too as it allows things to hide down in it and germs, etc. are still floating inside the house.  I open my bedroom window when I sleep when it's warm enough, but the rest of my house doesn't get much airing out.  After today, they will.

He had a new heater/air conditioner put in his office that has a certain type of light which kills germs, etc that goes through his filters.  He said the light bulb costs about $100 and it was probably several hundred to have it installed, but he said to keep everyone in his office well and working, it paid for itself.  His HVAC man was hesitant to do it, but he asked him "How much does each sickness cost once you go to doctor and get meds.  It will pay for itself in no time."  He is very pleased with his system.  I can't remember the kind of light he said, but I'll try and find out.

Here was something else he said that surprised me.  Remember, I'm not a "lover" of granite.  I prefer marble.  But he said that he can't put the testing equipment near granite counters as they give off Radon.  Good news is that it's not the poisonous kind of Radon, the "alive" Radon.  Frankly, I'd think any Radon would be bad.  I wouldn't want to take a chance, so I'll stick with my laminate counters and marble bath counters. 

He also said it's bad in sunken living areas, which my son has.  Other things wrong with that type of construction:  1.  As the foundation settles, the pipes under the sunken area get broken  2: and when they leak or break the water from those and the bathroom leaks in the wall between can cause termites to be drawn to your house.  YUCK, again. 

Well, I learned alot today about Radon, granite, sunken construction, termites, plumbing and other things, but the #1 thing he said.  If he had his way, builders would go back to building pier and beam homes.  I agree.  I love mine.

Home Safety & Security Tips

Home Safety & Security Tips

A quick once-over of the items on this list may improve the safety and security of your home and could protect your family and friends. It is important to periodically pay attention to these things because things change over time.

Security

• Does each exterior door have a deadbolt?
• Does the lock on each window work?
• Have you added pins or clips to your windows for additional security?
• Do you have dowels or broom sticks in the track of windows and sliding glass doors?
• Do you have security company labels or signs displayed prominently?
• Do you have an alarm system? Is the system monitored?
• Do you have a dog that barks when strangers approach the home?
• Are emergency numbers posted near the telephones?

Fire

• Do you have smoke detectors near all sleeping areas?
• Do you check the batteries monthly and change them annually?
• Do you have two carbon monoxide detectors?
• Do you have an escape ladder for upper floors?
• Do you have fire extinguishers near exits and in the kitchen?
• Do you have an emergency escape plan and is the family familiar with it?
• Are any outlets or switches warm to the touch?
• Are kitchen ventilation systems working properly?
• Is the dryer ventilated to the outside and is the exhaust free of lint?
• Is the furnace cleaned and serviced yearly?
• Is the space around the hot water heater clear of combustible materials?

Falls

• Are all electrical and phone cords out of the flow of traffic?
• Are rugs and runners slip resistant?
• Is your step-stool sturdy and in good condition?
• Are stairs clear of objects that could cause a fall?
• Are all entrance ways, exits, halls and walks well lighted?
• Do bath tubs and showers have non-skid strips or suction mats in them?

Other

• Do you keep drugs and medicines out of reach and sight of small children?
• Are interior doors designed so small children cannot lock themselves in rooms?
• Are pool and play areas fenced to keep small children in and uninvited guests out?
• Are firearms kept out of reach and sight of children?
• Is a well-stocked first aid kit available for emergencies?
• Is there one member of your family trained in first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver?