Weekend Project: Avoid these dangers lurking inside your home
Jan 15, 2010 3:04 PM
Radon gas exists throughout the United States and poses some very real health-related issues. According to the U.S. Environmental protection Agency's "A Citizen's Guide to Radon" (PDF), radon gas causes about 21,000 lung-cancer deaths annually in this country.
Given those facts, each January the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency works to boost public awareness through National Radon Action Month.
Checking for radon is an inexpensive task using one of the short- or long-term radon test kits we reviewed. (Ratings are available to subscribers; we also looked at lead-paint test kits.) We recommend using long-term kits because they are more accurate and better reflect the conditions in your home.
If a test indicates radon level higher than the recommended federal action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), consult a professional to confirm the results. (The EPA also suggests that you consider remediation at a level between 2 and 4 pCi/L.) The EPA maintains a state-by-state list of radon agencies where you can find professionals in your area.l
Radon isn't the only potential hidden danger hiding inside your home. Learn more about how to handle problems associated with indoor-air quality, carbon monoxide, and water.
Given those facts, each January the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency works to boost public awareness through National Radon Action Month.
Checking for radon is an inexpensive task using one of the short- or long-term radon test kits we reviewed. (Ratings are available to subscribers; we also looked at lead-paint test kits.) We recommend using long-term kits because they are more accurate and better reflect the conditions in your home.
If a test indicates radon level higher than the recommended federal action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), consult a professional to confirm the results. (The EPA also suggests that you consider remediation at a level between 2 and 4 pCi/L.) The EPA maintains a state-by-state list of radon agencies where you can find professionals in your area.l
Radon isn't the only potential hidden danger hiding inside your home. Learn more about how to handle problems associated with indoor-air quality, carbon monoxide, and water.
Indoor air
There are some basic steps to keep your indoor air cleaner, important when you consider how much time you spend indoors, especially at this time of year.
Still, air purifiers remain big sellers. But there's little definitive evidence that air purifiers help relieve respiratory symptoms, and models that create ozone even solely as a by-product can aggravate asthma and decrease lung function. If you decide to buy an air purifier, see our ratings of whole-house and portable models.
You can also keep indoor air cleaner with regular vacuuming. If you need a new vacuum, check out our free buyer's guide and select a model from our ratings of canister and upright vacuums that scored well in our emissions test. (Ratings are available to subscribers.)
Controlling your home environment often means taking other measures to adjust temperature, humidity, and other levels that if left unchecked can promote mold growth. This includes changing or cleaning filters on your heating and cooling equipment and using a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity, such as a basement or crawl space.
Weatherizing your attic can make your home more comfortable year-round and save you money, and you can get a 30 percent federal tax credit on some materials while you're at it.
Carbon monoxideTo prevent buildup of carbon monoxide, be sure your fuel-burning appliances are vented properly and are in good working condition. And read our report on carbon-monoxide alarms to find the best models for your home and for details on proper placement, sure. Our related blog posts include advice on battery and alarm replacement.
Water quality
As we recently reported, drinking water in this country contains many pollutants. Learn how to decipher the Consumer Confidence Report you get from your water company. If you're considering buying a water filter, check out our free buyer's guide and ratings (available to subscribers).
—Ed Perratore
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