Residential Environmental Hazards (includes Toxic Mold)

Transcript

RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: A GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, LANDLORDS AND TENANTS Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY This independent research report was originally developed by M. B. Gilbert Associates, under contract with the California Department of Real Estate in cooperation with the California Department of Health Services. The 2002 edition was prepared by the California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Real Estate, and meets all State and Federal guidelines and lead disclosure requirements pursuant to the Residential LeadBased Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. The 2002 edition incorporates the Federal “Protect Your Family from Lead” pamphlet. This booklet is offered for information purposes only, not as a reflection of the position of the administration of the State of California. Introduction The California Departments of Real Estate and Health Services originally prepared this booklet in response to the California legislative mandate (Chapter 969, Statutes of 1989, AB 983, Bane) to inform the homeowner and prospective homeowner about environmental hazards located on and affecting residential property. The 2002 edition was prepared by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, in cooperation with the California Department of Health Services’ Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Radon Program, and Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management, in response to a 1994 legislative mandate (Chapter 264, Statutes of 1994, AB 2753, Sher). The 1994 legislation also requires this booklet to consolidate the California disclosure requirements (Ch. 969, Statutes of 1989) and the federal disclosure requirements (The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992). The information contained in this booklet is an overview of environmental hazards which may be found on residential property and which may affect residential real estate. This booklet should be used only for general guidance. Although law requires the disclosure of known hazards, an environmental survey may be conducted to obtain further information. Homeowners, tenants and prospective homeowners may wish to obtain other literature for additional information on hazards of concern. Disposal of hazardous wastes is an issue of concern to us all. In the interest of reducing the use of, and encouraging the proper disposal of, household hazardous wastes, a section on their storage and disposal is included. Sources of additional information and a list of government agencies are provided for further information. This publication is designed to provide information about some environmental hazards that may be found on or in residential property. In California, sellers are required to disclose the presence of any known environmental hazard. A statement that the homeowner is unaware of environmental hazards is not a guarantee that the property is free of such hazards. It is in the homeowner’s and prospective homeowner’s interest to know what hazards are common, where they are found, and how they might be mitigated. This booklet will provide homeowners and prospective homeowners with the information and additional resources needed to make an informed decision about environmental hazards that may be present on a property. This publication is not meant to be all-inclusive. It deals only with environmental hazards that frequently affect residential property. Because of the contribution of household hazardous wastes to the problem of hazardous waste disposal, a section on household hazardous products is included. In discussing health impacts of hazardous substances, lifetime exposure to low levels is emphasized because the resident is more likely to encounter this type of exposure than exposure to high levels of hazards for a short time. Pursuant to AB 983, if this environmental hazards booklet is made available to homeowners or prospective homeowners, real estate licensees and home sellers are not required to provide additional information on such hazards. However, delivery of this publication to homeowners or prospective homeowners does not relieve home sellers and real estate licensees of the responsibility to disclose the existence of environmental hazards when such hazards are known to them. The material is presented with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in offering legal or other professional advice. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a skilled professional should be obtained. 2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Chapter I — ASBESTOS ................................................................................. 4 Chapter II — FORMALDEHYDE ................................................................... 8 Chapter III — HAZARDOUS WASTE ........................................................... 11 Chapter IV — HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE .................................. 14 Chapter V — LEAD ......................................................................................... 16 Chapter VI — MOLD ....................................................................................... 22 Chapter VII — RADON ................................................................................... 26 Appendices Appendix A— LIST OF FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES.................... 30 Appendix B — GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...................................................... 33 3 CHAPTER I ASBESTOS What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a generic term which describes a group of diverse, naturally occurring, fibrous minerals. These minerals occur as bundles of strong, flexible fibers that are chemically inert, do not burn, and have good insulating properties. Where is asbestos found in the home? Asbestos has been used in many products found in the home to provide insulation, strength, and fire protection. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) announced a phased ban of asbestos products to be completed by 1996. The most common items in the home that may contain asbestos are: • • • • • • • vinyl flooring; duct wrapping on heating and air conditioning systems; insulation on hot water pipes and boilers, especially in homes built from 1920 to 1972; some roofing, shingles, and siding; ceiling and wall insulation in some homes built or remodeled between 1945 and 1978, and; in sheet rock taping compounds and some ceiling materials. Asbestos that has been sprayed on ceilings often has a spongy, “cottage cheese” appearance with irregular soft surfaces. Asbestos troweled on walls has a textured, firm appearance. The manufacturers can provide information on the asbestos content of home products. A Certified Asbestos Consultant can be hired to determine whether or not asbestos is present and to give advice about how to take care of it safely. How is asbestos harmful? Intact or sealed (painted or taped over) asbestos is not harmful unless it becomes friable. Friable means the material can be easily crushed or pulverized to a powder by hand pressure. Friable materials have a higher potential to release fibers. Asbestos fibers that are released into the air and inhaled can accumulate in the lungs and pose a health risk. This risk can be divided into two general categories: 1) risk of asbestosis; and 2) increased risk of cancer. Most persons diagnosed with asbestosis have been exposed to asbestos in the work place. Therefore, this booklet focuses on the increased risk of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The U.S. EPA classifies asbestos as a known human carcinogen. If asbestos fibers are inhaled, the likelihood of contracting lung cancer or mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen) increases. As more asbestos is inhaled, the risk of developing cancer further increases. Smokers who are exposed to high levels of asbestos have a much greater risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers exposed to the same level. Symptoms of cancer may not develop until 10-40 years after the first exposure. Is there a safe level of asbestos? In theory, inhalation of one fiber of asbestos can increase the risk of developing cancer. However, from a practical standpoint this statement is misleading since breathing ambient air in an urban area results in the inhalation of about 20,000 asbestos fibers per day. As a result of this exposure to asbestos in ambient air for a lifetime, it is estimated that 4 3-30 cases of lung cancer and 4-24 cases of mesothelioma will occur for every one million Americans. Those cancer cases are in addition to the numerous lung cancer cases due to other causes, particularly smoking. Obviously, inhalation of additional asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer and unnecessary exposure should be avoided. How can asbestos content in materials be determined? When asbestos is suspected to be present in building materials, it is important to have the materials tested by a qualified laboratory. Visual inspection alone is not enough to identify the presence of asbestos. However, such testing may not be warranted if the material is in good condition, in which case it is best to leave it in place. If the material is damaged, or will be disturbed during normal household activities or remodeling, it should be tested. A list of asbestos consultants certified by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), for evaluating building materials and recommending a course of action may be obtained on the Internet at www.dir.ca.gov or by calling (916) 574-2993. The Certified Asbestos Consultant’s role is to care for the interests of the homeowner. The Consultant is prohibited from any financial tie to a contractor if one is needed to perform removal. A list of asbestos contractors registered with Cal/OSHA for doing asbestos related work may be obtained by calling (415) 703-5190. How should the homeowner repair or remove asbestos? Repair or removal of asbestos by the homeowner may be unwise if the damage is severe, since it may result in unnecessary exposure to airborne fibers. However, small repairs of pipe or duct insulation can be made with paint or duct tape. Other materials such as sprayed-on acoustical ceilings are not easily repaired by the homeowner. In cases where planned remodeling projects are expected to damage asbestos-containing materials, it is wise to hire a qualified contractor to remove the material. The homeowner should use the following guidelines in choosing a qualified contractor: • • • • Check to see if the contractor is licensed by the California Contractors State License Board and registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) for doing asbestos work. Be aware that some contractors may remove material incorrectly and still charge a substantial fee. Require references from the contractor and check them to see if the contractors work is satisfactory. Require the contractor to specify his safety procedures in writing. The homeowner may expect to pay three times as much for the removal than if asbestos were not present. For a small job, the cost may be more than three times the normal cost, since it is expensive for a contractor to set up all the necessary safety equipment. Consider hiring a certified asbestos consultant to review safety procedures and oversee the performance of the contractor. Does the law require mitigation? Asbestos mitigation is at the discretion of the homeowner. Even if the material contains asbestos, the homeowner may choose to leave it alone or, if necessary, repair it. Hotlines: * For information concerning the identification and abatement of asbestos hazards in the home, and on the asbestos content of certain consumer products, call the EPA Asbestos Hotline at: Telephone: (800) 368-5888 5 * For technical assistance and information about the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); regulations and programs administered under TSCA, including asbestos, lead-based paint and PCB’s; and information on EPA’s 33/60 voluntary pollution prevention program, contact the Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance Information Service (T.A.I.S.), Washington D.C. at: Telephone: (202) 554-1404 Fax: (202) 554-5603 E-mail address: [email protected] Also supplies a variety of documents, including Federal Register notices. Publications: * Asbestos in the Home This publication is available at no cost from: American Lung Association Environmental Health Department 909 12th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (800) LUNG-USA [(800) 586-4872] * The Inside Story - A Guide to Indoor Air Quality This publication is available at no cost from: Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse P.O. Box 37133 Washington, D.C. 20013-7133 Telephone: (800) 438-4318 FAX: (202) 484-1510 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.epa.gov/iaq/ * List of Certified Asbestos Consultants This list is available on the Internet or by mail for $8.00 from: California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Asbestos Consultant Certification Unit 2211 Park Towne Circle, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95825 Telephone: (916) 574-2993 Web: www.dir.ca.gov 6 * List of Asbestos Abatement Contractors This list is available for $25.00 from: California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Asbestos Contractor Registration Unit 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 10th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 Telephone: (415) 703-5190 Web: www.dir.ca.gov * What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor This publication is available at no cost from: California Contractors State License Board 9835 Goethe Road P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95827 Telephone: (800) 321-2752 (To receive publication, leave name and address on message phone.) Note: Telephone numbers and prices were correct at the date of publication of this booklet, but are subject to change. 7 CHAPTER II FORMALDEHYDE What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent gas that is soluble in water and most organic solvents. It is used as a raw material in the manufacture of paints, plastics, resins, photographic materials, and in building materials such as fiberboard and some foam insulation. Formaldehyde is found in the outdoor air at an average concentration of approximately 2.9 ppb. What levels of formaldehyde are found in the home? The average formaldehyde concentration inside California homes is 11 ppb for conventional homes and 45 ppb for manufactured homes. Formaldehyde concentrations have been measured as high as 40 ppb in conventional homes and 280 ppb in manufactured homes. Concentrations inside manufactured homes are higher due to the increased use of composite wood products. What are the sources of formaldehyde in the home? Formaldehyde is emitted from products in which formaldehyde has been used in their manufacture. These include composite wood products, urea-formaldehyde foam used in insulation, and curtain and upholstery textiles treated with formaldehyde resins for wrinkle resistance. Formaldehyde may also be emitted from gas stoves and kerosene heaters. Composite wood products are probably the most significant source of formaldehyde in the home. What are composite wood products? Plywood, particleboard, and oriented strandboard are Composite wood products that are bound together with formaldehyde-containing resins. The two most commonly used resins are urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde. Composite wood products used within the home include: • • • • particleboard, used for subflooring, shelving, and in furniture; hardwood and plywood paneling, used in furniture and as a wall covering; medium density fiberboard, used as cabinet doors, table tops, furniture, and shelving; and, oriented strandboard and softwood plywood, for exterior use and subflooring; both are manufactured using phenolformaldehyde resins. Why is formaldehyde emitted from these products? In the production of the resins, not all formaldehyde is bound as urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde. Unbound or free formaldehyde can be released later as a gas from composite wood products. Formaldehyde emissions are highest from new products and decrease as the product ages. Emissions ordinarily decrease to undetectable levels over time. If properly manufactured, composite wood products that incorporate phenol-formaldehyde resins do not release significant amounts of formaldehyde. Urea-formaldehyde resins have higher emission rates than phenol-formaldehyde resins. Is urea-formaldehyde foam a significant source of formaldehyde in homes? 8 Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) was installed in the wall cavities of some homes during the 1970’s and has been used in the manufacture of mobile homes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of UFFI in homes and schools in 1982. Although this ban has been removed by a Federal Court for procedural reasons, UFFI is not currently being installed in homes in California because of the insulation standards of the California Energy Commission. Implementation of these standards effectively prohibited the use of UFFI in homes in California after 1982. Formaldehyde emissions from UFFI decline with time. Thus, in homes where UFFI was installed prior to 1982, formaldehyde concentrations are generally comparable to those in homes without UFFI. How is formaldehyde harmful? The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has concluded that exposures to formaldehyde can cause cancer in humans. Exposure to airborne formaldehyde may also cause non-cancer symptoms, such as irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, coughing, sore or burning throat, nausea and headaches. Reducing exposures to formaldehyde will reduce these health risks. How can formaldehyde be detected and measured? Levels of formaldehyde can be measured by chemical analysis of air samples. In general, ambient air monitoring of formaldehyde is done on a 24-hour basis using standard analytical techniques and methods established by federal and state agencies. A useful indicator of the presence of indoor formaldehyde is knowledge of the formaldehyde content of products. This information can be obtained from the manufacturer. Is there a safe level of formaldehyde? Most people experience eye and throat irritation when exposed to formaldehyde at levels above 0.1 ppm. Because people differ in their sensitivity to toxic effects, it is difficult to precisely define a concentration of formaldehyde that would be harmless to all people under all circumstances. Levels in the outside air may be considered as the safest and lowest levels that can practicably be achieved in the home. There are no safe levels for carcinogenic effects. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has established an acute (94 ug/m3) and chronic (3 ug/m3) level to address the levels at which one might experience adverse non-cancer health effects. What can be done to reduce indoor formaldehyde levels? Immediate measures include opening windows to increase ventilation and reducing the number of new composite wood products in a home. Where possible, replace composite wood products with products made from solid wood or nonwood materials. Formaldehyde emissions increase with increasing humidity and temperature. Therefore, reducing the temperature and humidity in the home will reduce formaldehyde levels. Where the source of formaldehyde is wood paneling or subflooring, these measures may not be adequate. In this case, removal of paneling and subflooring may be necessary. Local trade organizations and builder’s associations may be helpful in finding a contractor to do this work. 9 Publications: * The Inside Story - A Guide to Indoor Air Quality * An Update on Formaldehyde These publications are available at no cost from: Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse P.O. Box 37133 Washington, D.C. 20013-7133 Telephone: (800) 438-4318 FAX: (202) 484-1510 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.epa.gov/iaq/ * A Consumers Guide to Manufactured Housing * Manufactured Housing for Families These publications are available at no cost from: California Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Administration P.O. Box 31 Sacramento, CA 95812-0031 Telephone: (916) 445-3338 Web: www.hcd.ca.gov * Formaldehyde in the Home-Indoor Air Quality Guideline #1 and Supplement – www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/formald.htm * Determination of Formaldehyde and Toluene Diisocyanate Emissions from Indoor Residential Sources, Final Report to ARB, November 1996, Contract No. 93-315 * Final Report on the Identification of Formaldehyde as a Toxic Air Contaminant These publications are available at no cost from: California Air Resources Board Research Division Indoor Exposure Assessment Section P.O. Box 806 Sacramento, CA 95812-0806 Telephone: (916) 322-8282 (For first two publications listed) Telephone: (916) 322-7072 (For third publication listed) Web: www.arb.ca.gov Note: Telephone numbers and prices were correct at the date of publication of this booklet, but are subject to change. 10 CHAPTER III HAZARDOUS WASTES What are hazardous wastes? Hazardous waste means a waste that has the potential to harm human health or the environment. The characteristics that make a waste hazardous are that it may be toxic, corrosive, ignitable, or reactive. Many different industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, electronics, and smaller businesses such as dry cleaners and print shops generate hazardous waste. Following the generation of hazardous waste, most of it is treated where it was generated. The remainder is shipped to off-site facilities for treatment or storage. Disposal must be in a special type of landfill designed only for hazardous waste. Hazardous waste that is not properly managed may escape into the environment and contaminate soil or ground or surface water, or pollute the air. These hazardous waste releases can occur through leaking underground storage tanks, poorly contained landfills or ponds, hazardous waste spills, or illegal dumping directly on land. What is California doing to locate and clean up hazardous waste sites? The U.S. EPA has targeted about 1,200 sites nationwide for federal cleanup, with almost 100 identified in California. The federal “Superfund” law authorized U.S. EPA to supervise cleanup of the sites proposed under the Superfund program. California is investigating and overseeing the cleanup of hundreds of other sites under a state Superfund implemented by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). DTSC works jointly with U.S. EPA and other state agencies, such as the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards and local health departments, to effectively manage hazardous waste problems. The primary purpose of site cleanup and mitigation activities at hazardous waste sites is to reduce or eliminate the risks the sites pose to public health or the environment. How can the prospective homeowner determine whether a home is affected by a hazardous waste site? State law requires certain written disclosures to be made to prospective homeowners of real property. Under state law, a seller is required to disclose whether he or she is aware that the property has any environmental hazards such as asbestos, formaldehyde, radon, lead-based paint, fuel or chemical storage tanks, and/or contaminated soil or water. Additional information on real estate disclosure is described in the booklet “Disclosures in Real Property Transactions” available from the California Department of Real Estate (see Publications). A prospective homeowner may also obtain information about hazardous waste sites in the vicinity of a home. There are several sources of information on the status and location of hazardous waste sites in California. The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) Hazardous Material Data Management Program maintains the “Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List”, popularly known as the “Cortese” list (see Publications). This list consolidates most of the lists of hazardous waste problem sites in California, including hazardous waste sites, contaminated wells, leaking underground storage tanks, and sanitary landfills from which there is a known migration of hazardous waste. The purpose of this list is to inform local agencies of these hazardous sites identified by the state. State law requires an applicant for a development project to consult the list and to submit a signed statement indicating whether the project is listed. 11 DTSC maintains a list of state and federal hazardous waste sites that are currently scheduled for mitigation called “The List of Active Sites”. The DTSC database of potential hazardous waste sites (Cal-Sites) contains information about 4,500 suspected and confirmed sites. A portion of these sites has been classified as needing no further action. All of the active sites on the Cortese list are reported pursuant to Govt. Code Section 65962.5. The addresses of many federal, state, and local agencies that manage hazardous waste programs are listed in Appendix A. In addition to the information contained in this booklet, a homeowner or prospective homeowner may hire a registered environmental assessor to further investigate a known environmental hazard at a property. To obtain a list of registered environmental assessors, contact Cal-EPA, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Registered Environmental Assessors Program, at (916) 324-6881. Hotlines: * For information on the federal Superfund program and the National Priorities List (NPL), contact the U.S. EPA RCRA, Superfund, EPCRA hotline at: Telephone: (800) 424-9346 Publications: * Disclosures in Real Property Transactions This publication is available for $2.00 plus tax from: California Department of Real Estate Book Orders Box 187006 Sacramento, CA 95818-7006 (Mail orders only; a self-addressed envelope is required.) * Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List (“Cortese” List) This list is available for $50.00 from (below): * List of Leaking Underground Storage Tanks This list is available for $75.00 from: California Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Environmental Information Management (OEIM) P.O. Box 806 Sacramento, CA 95812-0806 Telephone: (916) 445-6532 Web: www.dtsc.ca.gov 12 * List of Registered Environmental Assessors If hiring a Registered Environmental Assessor, this list is available at no cost. If using as a mailing list, this list is available in diskette form for $6.25, and as a hard-copy printout for $35.00 from: California Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Registered Environmental Assessor Program P.O. Box 806 Sacramento, CA 95812-0806 Telephone: (916) 324-6881 * The Toxics Directory: References and Resources on the Health Effects of Toxic Substances This publication is available for $9.90 from: California Department of General Services Documents and Publications P.O. Box l015 North Highlands, CA 95660 (Send written request with your name and street address. Make check out to Procurement Publications.) * Ensuring Safe Drinking Water (600M91012) This publication is available at no cost from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Information Center 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20468 Telephone: (800) 490-9198 * Consumer’s Guide to California Drinking Water This publication is available for $4.00 (plus 5% shipping charge, plus tax) from: Local Government Commission 1414 K Street, Suite #600 Sacramento, CA 95814 Telephone: (916) 448-1198 x307 Web: www.lgc.org * Is Your Drinking Water Safe? (PB94-203387) This publication is available for $19.50 plus $4.00 shipping from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: (800) 553-6847 Web: www.ntis.go 13 CHAPTER IV HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE What is household hazardous waste? Although generation of hazardous wastes is associated with industrial processes, each year Californians discard tons of hazardous wastes in trash cans or down the drain. To determine whether a product is hazardous, ask these questions. • • • • Is it poisonous when ingested, touched, or inhaled? Does it ignite easily? Is it corrosive? Could it explode if it is improperly stored, spilled, or mixed with other products? If the answer is “yes” to any question, then the product is hazardous. Generally, information about a product’s hazardous properties can be found on the container label. The words “caustic”, “flammable”, “toxic”, and “ignitable” indicate that the product is hazardous. Some products are hazardous in more than one way. For example, bleach is poisonous, and when mixed with ammonia-based cleaners releases hydrazine, a poisonous gas. Other examples of household products that are hazardous are listed below. In many cases, nonhazardous materials can be used instead. Examples of household hazardous products are: • • • • cleaning products: ammonia, drain cleaners, rug cleaners, oven cleaners, metal polishes, and bleaches; garden supplies: weed and insect killers, rat poison, fertilizer, charcoal lighters, kerosene, and gasoline; automotive supplies: antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, batteries and brake fluid, and paint supplies: paint, varnish, paint removers, glues, and waxes. How should hazardous household products be stored? Safe storage of hazardous products requires a cool, dry and secure location. Places to store hazardous products include locked cupboards, locked drawers, or a high shelf out of the reach of children and pets. To prevent spillage during an earthquake, shelves should be firmly secured to the wall and have a restraining bar along the side. The following guidelines will help in the proper storage of household hazardous products. • • • • • • Sort the products into hazardous waste categories (i.e., poisonous, flammable, corrosive, and reactive) and store them as separate categories. For example, flammable products such as charcoal lighter and waste oil should be stored apart from corrosive products such as drain cleaner and acid batteries. It is important to store reactive products in separate locations. Thus, bleach and ammonia-based cleaners should be stored in separate cupboards so that, if a spill does occur, mixing and release of poisonous gas is avoided. Poisonous products should always be stored apart from other products. Where possible, products should be stored in the original container. Household hazardous products should not be transferred to a previously used container, in order to avoid reaction with incompatible products. Labels should be legible and securely affixed to the container. Containers should be tightly sealed and regularly inspected for deterioration. Where rust or leaking is observed, the deteriorating container should be placed inside a larger container and clearly labeled. What is the best way to dispose of household hazardous waste? 14 The best way to dispose of household hazardous wastes is to sort them into categories according to their hazardous properties and take them to the community household hazardous waste collection center. Unused supplies of hazardous products should not be disposed of by pouring them down the drain. In California, it is illegal to dispose of used oil and paints by pouring them down the drain, including the storm drain, onto land, or by burning. Waste motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and used batteries can be recycled and should be taken to a recycling center. For information on recycling specific products or about household hazardous waste collection programs in your community, call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s web site at www.ciwmb.ca.gov. Guidelines on developing a similar program are presented in the publication “Recommendations for Developing Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities.” This publication can be obtained from CIWMB. Hotlines: * For information on household hazardous waste and used oil collection and recycling centers, buy recycled information, the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), as well as other environmental tips and events, contact the California Environmental Hotline at: Telephone: 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) Web Site: www.1800cleanup.org * For information on recycling and collection centers and referrals for county and city agencies, call the California Integrated Waste Management Board at: Telephone: (800) 553-2962 * To report hazardous waste violations, call the California Department of Toxic Substances Control Waste Alert hotline at: Telephone: (800)-69TOXIC [(800)-698-6942] * For general information on hazardous wastes, call the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (Sacramento Headquarters) at: Telephone: (916) 324-1826 Publications: * Household Products Management Wheel The above publication is available at a cost of $4.95 each from: Environmental Hazards Management Institute 10 New Market Road P.O. Box 932 Durham, NH 03824 Telephone: (603) 868-1496 FAX: (603) 868-1547 Note: Telephone numbers and prices were correct at the date of publication of this booklet, but are subject to change. CHAPTER V 15 LEAD How is lead harmful? Lead is a common environmental toxin that was used extensively in consumer products, such as paint and gasoline. Much of that lead remains in the California environment where people may become exposed. Children are commonly exposed to lead through normal hand-to-mouth behavior, which occurs as they explore their environment. When children crawl or play on the floor, put toys in their mouths, or suck on their fingers, they may ingest lead dust. This kind of daily, frequent exposure can result in lead poisoning. Some children eat paint chips, which can cause severe poisoning with irreversible health effects, including brain damage, mental retardation, convulsions, and even death. As lead poisoning can go undetected, it may result in behavior problems, reduced intelligence, anemia, and serious liver or kidney damage. Children under the age of six are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning. Lead is also harmful to adults. Lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems (in both men and women), high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain. Adult lead poisoning is most often the result of occupational exposure, or exposure following unsafe home renovation. How can I protect my family from lead poisoning? The most important step you can take to protect your children is to have them tested for lead poisoning. A simple blood test can measure levels of lead in the blood. All children age 5 and under should be tested. Family members who might have high levels of lead should also be tested. Your doctor or health center can conduct this test. The test is covered by health insurance plans. Children from families with modest incomes can be tested at no cost through CHDP—the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program. The test is part of well-child checkups. Poisoning is the result of contact with lead. The “treatment” begins with identifying the source of lead, and then removing or isolating it. Medical management depends on many factors, including the severity and duration of exposure. Adults and children with lead poisoning need regular testing to monitor levels of lead in the body. Where is lead found in the home? Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead. In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned paint containing high levels of lead for residential use. If your home or apartment was built before 1978, you should assume it has lead paint. Lead-based paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Lead-based paint may also pose a hazard on surfaces children can chew, or in areas with heavy wear. These areas include windows, window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, porches, and fences. When painted surfaces bump or rub together they generate lead dust. Likewise, dry-scraping, sanding, or heating lead paint during repainting or remodeling also creates huge amounts of poisonous lead dust. This lead dust can poison your family. Soil can become contaminated with lead from deteriorating exterior paint, and from leaded gasoline emissions. Lead in soil can be a hazard to children who play in bare soil. It can also contaminate the home when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. Other Sources: Lead can be found in jobs such as battery repair or recycling, radiator repair, painting or remodeling, lead smelting, etc. Lead from the workplace poses a hazard for workers’ families. Workers can bring lead into their homes on their work clothes, shoes, and bodies without knowing it. Some hobbies use lead. These include ceramics, 16 stained glass, fishing weights, and bullet casting or firing. Lead can leech into food cooked, stored, or served in certain imported dishes or handmade pottery. Lead can be found in some home remedies such as Arzacon, Greta, Pay-looah, Surma, Khali, and Kandu. These traditional medicines are very dangerous, and often contain large amounts of lead. Lead can be present in drinking water of older homes that have plumbing with lead or lead solder. How can I check my home for lead hazards? To inspect your home for lead hazards, hire an individual or contractor who has been certified by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). A CDHS-certified Inspector/Assessor will determine the lead content of every painted surface in your home and identify any sources of serious lead exposure (such as peeling paint and lead dust). The assessment should outline the actions to take to address these hazards. A CDHS-certified Inspector/Assessor may use a variety of methods to assess lead hazards in your home. These include visual inspection of paint condition; laboratory tests of paint samples, surface dust tests, and/or a portable x-ray lead testing (fluorescence) machine. You may have seen home lead test kits in your local hardware store. Recent studies suggest, however, that they are not always accurate. To protect your family’s safety, do not rely on these kits. They are not always dependable. How can I reduce lead hazards safely? If your house has lead hazards, you can take action to reduce your family’s risk. First and foremost, if you have young children, be sure they are tested for lead. This is particularly important if you have recently renovated or remodeled your home. Second, keep your home as clean and dust-free as possible. Clean floors, window frames, window sills and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop and regular detergent. Use paper towels to clean windows and window wells. Wash children’s hands often, especially before meals and bedtime. Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly. Feed your children nutritious meals with foods high in iron and calcium. Give children regular meals and snacks. Children with full stomachs and nutritious diets tend to absorb less lead. How can I significantly reduce lead hazards? In addition to dust control and good nutrition, you can temporarily reduce lead hazards by repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels. These actions are not permanent solutions and need ongoing attention. To permanently remove lead hazards, you should hire a lead “abatement” contractor. Abatement methods include removing, sealing or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Simply painting over lead-based paint with regular paint is not enough.Hire an individual or contractor who has been certified by the CDHS. CDHS-certified individuals have the proper training to do this work safely. They have the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. They will employ trained and certified workers. They will also follow strict safety rules set by the State and federal government. These safety measures will protect you and your family from lead hazards. What are my responsibilities if I am selling, renting, or remodeling a home built before 1978? 17 If you are planning to buy, rent, or renovate a home built before 1978, federal law requires sellers, landlords, and remodelers to disclose certain information prior to finalizing contracts. Landlords must: 1) Disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards; and, 2) Give you a lead hazard pamphlet before leases take effect. Leases will also include a federal form about lead-based paint. Sellers must: 1) Disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards; and, 2) Give you a lead hazard pamphlet before selling a house. Sales contracts will also include a federal form about leadbased paint. Buyers will have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. Renovators must: 1) Give you a lead hazard pamphlet before starting to work. If you want more information on these requirements call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at (800) 424-LEAD [(800) 424-5323]. What precautions should I take when remodeling my home? Before you begin any remodeling or renovations that will disturb painted surfaces (such as scraping or sanding paint, or tearing out walls) test the area for lead-based paint first. To fully protect your family from unsafe renovation hazards, hire a CDHS-certified individual or contractor. Never use a dry scraper, belt-sander, propane torch, or heat gun to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of poisonous lead dust and fumes. This lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done, and can make your family very sick. It is important to move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of your home until the work is completed, and the area has been properly cleaned. You can find out about other safety measures by calling (800) 424-LEAD [(800) 424-5323]. Ask for the brochure “Reducing Lead Hazards when Remodeling Your Home.” This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations. What is the source of lead in water? The source of lead in water is most likely to be lead in water pipes, lead solder used on copper pipes, and some brass plumbing fixtures. Lead pipes are generally found only in homes built before 1930. The use of lead-based solder in plumbing applications in homes and buildings was banned in 1988. However, many homes built prior to 1988 may contain plumbing systems that use lead solder. The levels of lead in water from these homes are likely to be highest during the first five years after construction. After five years there can be sufficient mineral deposit, except where the water is soft, to form a coating inside the pipe; this coating prevents the lead from dissolving. How can lead levels in water be determined? If lead contamination in drinking water is suspected, samples of water may be submitted to a laboratory certified by the CDHS. (For a list of certified laboratories, see Publications.) Consult with the laboratory on the proper procedures for sample taking. 18 Information on the corrosivity of household water, which may result in lead being leached from household plumbing, may be obtained from the water utility serving your area. What level of lead is considered safe in drinking water? Historically, the standard for lead in drinking water was based on the level of lead in the source water being used by the water utility. This standard was 50 parts per billion. It was very rare for this level to be exceeded in source water since lead is only infrequently a contaminant in nature. A much more common source of lead in drinking water is the result of the lead being leached from household plumbing. Based on this fact, the U.S. EPA promulgated the federal Lead and Copper Rule that became effective on January 1, 1992. Unlike any other federal drinking water standard, this rule applies to the quality of water as it comes from the household tap rather than the quality of the water at the source. Public water systems are to take corrective action to control corrosion when it results in increases in lead (or copper) in the tap water due to the lead being leached from the household plumbing. The water system is to take such action when the concentration of lead in a first draw tap sample (collected after the water has stood unused for at least 6 hours) exceeds 15 parts per billion in a specified percentage of the homes designated as being most susceptible to corrosion of lead from household plumbing. How can levels of lead in water be reduced? Lead levels can be reduced by removing lead piping or lead solder, by installing a home treatment system certified by the CDHS, or regularly flushing each tap before consuming the water. Another alternative for homeowners is to purchase bottled water. Home treatment methods that are effective in removing some or all lead in water include distillation and reverse osmosis. The cost for a home treatment system varies depending on the type of system and whether the system is designed for a single tap or the entire house. A more detailed discussion of home treatment systems is presented in, “Consumers Guide to California Drinking Water” (see Publications). Where there are elevated lead levels in water, homeowners who choose not to install a treatment system or use bottled drinking water should flush each tap before the water is consumed. Water which has been standing in the water pipes for more than six hours should be flushed from the tap until the temperature changes and then about fifteen seconds more. Because lead is more soluble in hot water, the homeowner should not drink or prepare food using hot water from the tap. The flushed water should be saved and used for non-consumptive purposes such as washing clothes or watering plants. Hotlines: * For more information on lead in drinking water and federal regulations about lead in drinking water, contact the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline in Washington, D.C. at: Telephone: (800) 426-4791 * For information on how to protect children from lead poisoning contact The National Lead Information Center at: Telephone: (800) Lead-FYI [(800) 532-3394] * For other information on lead hazards, call The National Lead Information Center Clearinghouse at: Telephone: (800) 424-LEAD [(800) 424-5323] * To request information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at: 19 Telephone: (800) 638-2772 * To request local lists of CDHS-certified inspectors or abatement workers contact the Lead-related Construction Hotline at: Telephone: (800) 597-LEAD [(800) 597-5323] * To request a list of local county health department lead programs, or a list of certified labs, contact CDHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch at: Telephone: (510) 450-2424 Publications: * List of Certified Laboratories to Perform Hazardous Waste Analysis This list is available at no cost from: California Department of Health Services Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program 2151 Berkeley Way, Annex 2 Berkeley, CA 94704 Telephone: (510) 540-2800 Web: www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ls/elap/elapindex.htm * Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead Based Paint Hazards in Housing This publication is available for $45.00 from: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Information Services, HUD User P.O. Box 6091 Rockville, MD 20849 Telephone: (800) 245-2691 Web: www.huduser.org * Lead in your Drinking Water This publication is available at no cost from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Information Center 401 M. Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 Telephone: (202) 260-2080 * The Inside Story - A Guide to Indoor Air Quality This publication is available at no cost from: Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse P.O. Box 37133 20 Washington, D.C. 20013-7133 Telephone: (800) 438-4318 Web: www.epa.gov/iaq/ * Consumers Guide to California Drinking Water This publication is available for $4.00 (plus 5% shipping charge, plus tax) from: Local Government Commission 1414 K Street, Suite #250 Sacramento, CA 95814 Telephone: (916) 448-1198 x 307 Web: www.lgc.org * Lead Poisoning Prevention Wheel This publication is available for $3.95 from: Environmental Hazards Management Institute 10 New Market Road P.O. Box 932 Durham, NH 03824 Telephone: (603) 868-1496 Note: Telephone numbers and prices were correct at the date of publication of this booklet, but are subject to change. 21 CHAPTER VI MOLD What are molds? Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds, along with mushrooms and yeasts, are fungi and are needed to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment. For molds to grow and reproduce, they need only a food source – any organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt— and moisture. Because molds grow by digesting the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they grow on. Sometimes, new molds grow on old mold colonies. Mold growth on surfaces can often be seen in the form of discoloration, frequently green, gray, brown, or black but also white and other colors. Molds release countless tiny, lightweight spores, which travel through the air. How am I exposed to indoor molds? Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. It is common to find mold spores in the air inside homes, and most of the airborne spores found indoors come from outdoor sources. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they are present in large numbers and people inhale many of them. This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth within home, office or school where people live or work. People can also be exposed to mold by touching contaminated materials and by eating contaminated foods. Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are right—sufficient moisture is available and organic material is present. The following are common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold problems: • Flooding • Leaky roofs • Sprinkler spray hitting the house • Plumbing leaks • Overflow from sinks or sewers • Damp basement or crawl space • Steam from shower or cooking • Humidifiers • Wet clothes drying indoors or clothes dryers exhausting indoors Warping floors and discoloration of walls and ceilings can be indications of moisture problems. Condensation on windows or walls is also an important indication, but it can sometimes be caused by an indoor combustion problem! Have fuel-burning appliances routinely inspected by your local utility or a professional heating contractor. Should I be concerned about mold in my home? Yes, if indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures. Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems. Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Clothes and shoes in damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home. What symptoms are commonly seen with mold exposure? Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions (often referred to as hay fever) are most common following mold exposure. Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report (alone or in 22 combination) include: • Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath • Nasal and sinus congestion • Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes) • Dry, hacking cough • Nose or throat irritation • Skin rashes or irritation Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases, but their cause is not understood. How much mold can make me sick? For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems. For other persons, symptoms may occur only when exposure levels are much higher. Nonetheless, indoor mold growth is unsanitary and undesirable. Basically, if you can see or smell mold inside your home, take steps to identify and eliminate the excess moisture and to cleanup and remove the mold. Are some molds more hazardous than others? Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to the amount and the types to which they react. In addition to their allergic properties, certain types of molds, such as Stachybotris chartarum, may produce compounds that have toxic properties, which are called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are not always produced, and whether a mold produces mycotoxins while growing in a building depends on what the mold is growing on, conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity or other unknown factors. When mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and may be present in materials that have become contaminated with molds. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, when the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne. At present there is no environmental test to determine whether Stachybotrys growth found in buildings is producing toxins. There is also no blood or urine test that can establish if an individual has been exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum spores or its toxins. How can I tell if I have mold in my house? You may suspect that you have mold if you see discolored patches or cottony or speckled growth on walls or furniture or if you smell an earthy or musty odor. You also may suspect mold contamination if mold-allergic individuals experience some of the symptoms listed above when in the house. Evidence of past or ongoing water damage should also trigger more thorough inspection. You may find mold growth underneath water-damaged surfaces or behind walls, floors or ceilings. Should I test my home for mold? The California Department of Health Services does not recommend testing as a first step to determine if you have a mold problem. Reliable air sampling for mold can be expensive and requires expertise and equipment that is not available to the general public. Owners of individual private homes and apartments generally will need to pay a contractor to carry out such sampling, because insurance companies and public health agencies seldom provide this service. Mold inspection and cleanup is usually considered a housekeeping task that is the responsibility of homeowner or landlord, as are roof and plumbing repairs, house cleaning, and yard maintenance. 23 Another reason the health department does not recommend testing for mold contamination is that there are few available standards for judging what is an acceptable quantity of mold. In all locations, there is some level of airborne mold outdoors. If sampling is carried out in a home, an outdoor air sample also must be collected at the same time as the indoor samples, to provide a baseline measurement. Because individual susceptibility varies so greatly, sampling is at best a general guide. The simplest way to deal with a suspicion of mold contamination is, if you can see or smell mold, you likely have a problem and should take the steps outlined below. Mold growth is likely to recur unless the source of moisture that is allowing mold to grow is removed and the contaminated area is cleaned. Assessing the Size of a Mold Contamination Problem There will be a significant difference in the approach used for a small mold problem – total area affected is less than 10 ft2 – and a large contamination problem – more than 100 ft2. In the case of a relatively small area, the homeowner using personal protective equipment can handle the cleanup. However, for much larger areas, choose an experienced, professional contractor. For medium cases, the type of containment and personal protection equipment to be used will be a matter of judgment. General Cleanup Procedures • • • • Identify and eliminate sources of moisture Identify and assess the magnitude and area of mold contamination Clean and dry moldy areas – use containment of affected areas Bag and dispose of all material that may have moldy residues, such as rags, paper, leaves, and debris. Clean up should begin after the moisture source is fixed and excess water has been removed. Wear gloves when handling moldy materials. Spores are more easily released when moldy materials dry out, so it is advisable to remove moldy items as soon as possible. Detailed cleanup procedures are available in the California Department of Health Services Indoor Air Quality Section fact sheet entitled, “Mold in My Home: What Do I Do?” It is available on the Internet at www.dhs-iaq.org or by calling the (510) 540-2476. How can I prevent indoor mold problems in my home? Inspect your home regularly for the indications and sources of indoor moisture and mold. Take steps to eliminate sources of water as quickly as possible. If a leak or flooding occurs, it is essential to act quickly: • Stop the source of leak or flooding. • Remove excess water with mops or wet vacuum. • Move wet items to a dry, well ventilated area. Move rugs and pull up wet carpet as soon as possible. • Open closet and cabinet doors and move furniture away from walls to increase circulation. • Run portable fans to increase air circulation. Do NOT use the home’s central blower if flooding has occurred in it or in any of the ducts. Do NOT use fans if mold may have already started to grow — more than 48 hours since flooding. • Run dehumidifiers and window air conditioners to lower humidity. • Do NOT turn up the heat or use heaters in confined areas, as higher temperatures increase the rate of mold growth. • If water has soaked inside the walls, it may be necessary to open wall cavities, remove baseboards, and/or pry open wall paneling. Publications • 24 Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? This document is available on the Internet, or at no cost from: California Department of Health Services Indoor Air Quality Section 2151 Berkeley Way (EHLB), Berkeley, CA 94704 Telephone: (510) 540-2476 Web: www.dhs-iaq.ca.gov • • • • Health Effects of Toxin-Producing Molds in California Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) — a mold that may be found in water-damaged homes Fungi and Indoor Air Quality Misinterpretation of Stachybotrys Serology These documents are available on the Internet, or at no cost from: California Department of Health Services Environmental Health Investigation Branch 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1700 Oakland, CA 94612 Telephone: (510) 622-4500 Web: www.dhs.ca.gov/ehib/ • • General Information Molds, Toxic Molds, and Indoor Air Quality This document is available on the Internet at www.cal-iaq.org/MOLD Biological Pollutants in Your Home This document is available at no cost from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency IAQ Information Clearinghouse Telephone: (800) 438-4318 Web: www.epa.gov • Repairing Your Flooded Home This publication is available on the Internet or at no cost from: American Red Cross 8928 Volunteer Lane, Sacramento, CA 95826 Telephone: (916) 368-3131 Web: www.redcross.org For local assistance, contact your county or city Department of Health, Housing, or Environmental Health. 25 CHAPTER VII RADON What is radon? Radon is a naturally occurring chemically inert radioactive gas that is formed from radioactive decay of radium and uranium. Since radon cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, special instruments are necessary for its detection. The unit of measurement for radon is picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) . Where is radon found? Radon is typically present in rocks containing uranium such as certain granites and shales. The amount of radon that can enter soils and ground water depends on the concentrations of uranium in the underlying rock. Radon can also be found in the air at very low concentrations. In California, outdoor levels of radon range from 0.1 to 0.5 pCi/L. Radon gas can also enter and concentrate in homes and buildings. In the United States, the average level indoors is 1.3 pCi/ L, but radon levels have been found to range from 0.25 to over 3,000 pCi/L. Data from radon test conducted in California indicate that a relatively small percentage of homes have annual average radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guideline level. The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) conducts studies to identify the geographic areas of potential concern. For further information on geographical areas of potential concern call the CDHS’s Radon Program at (916) 324-2208. How is radon harmful? The U.S. EPA classifies radon as a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon may increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. It is believed that tobacco smokers who are exposed to high radon levels account for a large percentage of the lung cancer deaths believed to be associated with radon exposure in the United States. Therefore, the risk is substantially less for nonsmoker. Exposure to radon does not result in any immediate symptoms. For example, it does not result in acute respiratory effects such as colds or allergies. Any cancer resulting from inhaling radon is not likely to arise for at least 20-30 years after exposure begins and both the level of exposure and duration of exposure are factors which determine the risk of developing lung cancer. How does radon enter the home? Radon enters the indoor air in the home from the soil through cracks and openings in concrete slabs, crawl spaces, floor drains, sumps, and the many tiny pores in hollow-wall concrete blocks. When the pressure within a home is lowered, more radon can be drawn from the soil and enter the home. Indoor air pressure may be lower during colder months when heated air rises from the floor level to the ceiling (or second story) level in the house. Indoor pressure may also be lowered in tightly sealed houses through use of exhaust fans such as those in many kitchens and bathrooms. If radon is present in tap water, it can be released when water is used indoors for showering, washing dishes, or washing clothes. Radon is of most concern when water is obtained directly from a well that draws water from a source exposed to uranium and radium. Most of the radon in water obtained from a surface source, such as a reservoir or well water stored in an open tank, has been released before it reaches the home. Building materials are not a significant source of radon except where they incorporate rocks rich in radium or uranium. The use of these rocks (typically granite and shales) in construction of homes in California is rare. 26 Where are the highest levels of radon in the home? Generally, the living area closest to the soil surface has the highest level of radon. Upper stories have lower levels of radon. Consequently, radon is rarely a concern in high rise apartment buildings, other than at ground level. Do adjacent houses have similar levels of radon? Because of the variability of the uranium and radium content of soil and differences in house construction and use, it cannot be assumed that houses in the same neighborhood have the same radon levels. In order to determine radon levels in any particular house, measurements must be made. Is there a safe level of radon? Although there is consensus that the greater the exposure to radon the greater the risk of developing lung cancer, there is insufficient data to define a radon level which is harmless. Both the length of time during which radon is inhaled and the level of radon in the air are important in determining the risk of developing lung cancer. It is also believed that smoking may be a large contributing factor to lung disease associated with radon exposure. How can radon levels be measured? Several types of passive radon detectors or active devices can measure the level of radon in a house. Passive detectors are devices left in place for a period of time that require no ongoing activity or power. To obtain accurate results, the homeowner should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Although short-term measurements of radon levels are more convenient, health risk can be more accurately determined from measurements made over a year. Active devices require a source of power and are used by professional radon testers to monitor radon levels. These devices are usually used during real estate transactions. Where can radon detectors be obtained? The CDHS publishes a list of those laboratories certified to provide test devices (radon services) in California. Those companies offering onsite testing or detection devices used by the homeowner are listed in the “List of Certified Providers of Radon Services” which may be obtained by calling CDHS Radon Program Hotline at (800) 745-745-7236 or at the Radon Program’s website http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/radon/radon.htm. What actions are required to reduce indoor radon levels? The U.S. EPA and CDHS recommend that homeowners should attempt to reduce radon levels in any home that has an annual average level of radon at or above 4 pCi/L. The mitigation method chosen will depend on the construction of the house, extent of radon reduction required, and cost. After installing a mitigation system, it is recommended that radon levels be monitored at regular intervals to verify that the mitigation remains effective. A qualified contractor should install the radon mitigation system unless the homeowner fully understands the principles of the mitigation system. When should water be tested for radon? When indoor levels of radon are at or above 4 pCi/L, homeowners should consider a water test. If the water comes from a water system, information about the source of the water and any radon tests done on it can be obtained from the water company that supplies the water. For more information or assistance in interpreting test results, contact the 27 CDHS Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management (see Appendix A). If the water comes from a private well, the radon concentration may be measured by analyzing a water sample at a laboratory certified to test for radon in water. Homeowners should consult the CDHS radon program at (916) 324-2208 for guidance on the type of water analysis appropriate to the area and well type. It must be emphasized that the method of sample collection is critical. To obtain a list of certified laboratories, call the CDHS at (800) 7457236. How can levels of radon in water be reduced? Radon levels in water can be reduced by 99 percent by installation of a GAC (granular activated carbon unit) on the water line entering the house. (GAC units should be certified by the CDHS.) As radon accumulates in the GAC unit, the unit becomes radioactive as the radon decays. Thus, GAC units installed to remove radon in household water must be shielded or located in areas remote from the house to protect occupants from radiation. The GAC filters also require special handling during replacement and disposal. Aeration may also remove radon from water. This technique may be more costly but avoids the problem of radiation build up. Selection of the proper water treatment technology depends primarily upon its removal efficiency (other contaminants in the water may adversely affect this), safety, initial costs, and operating and maintenance costs. Therefore, professional guidance is strongly advised. Does the law require mitigation? Mitigation of radon is not required by law and is at the discretion of the homeowner. Hotlines: * For information on how to purchase a radon detector (Certified Radon Measurement Laboratories), have someone test your home (California List of Certified Radon Testing and Consulting Specialists), to fix your home or for informational publications on radon, call the CDHS Radon Program Hotline at: Telephone: (800) 745-7236. Website: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/radon/radon.htm * For specific assistance, call the CDHS Radon Program at: Telephone: (916) 324-2208 Publications: * List of Certified Providers of Radon Services This publication is available by calling CDHS Radon Program Hotline at (800) 745-745-7236 or at http:// www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/radon/radon.htm. * Radon in California * A Citizen’s Guide to Radon * Homebuyers and Sellers Guide to Radon 28 * How to Reduce Radon Levels in your Home * Model Standards for Radon in New Residential Buildings These publications can be downloaded at the EPA Indoor Air Quality website www.epa.gov/iaq or are available at no cost from: California Department of Health Services Environmental Management Branch Radon Program 601 N. 7th Street P.O. Box 942732 Sacramento, CA 94234-7320 Telephone: (800) 745-7236 * The Inside Story - A Guide to Indoor Air Quality This publication is available at no cost from: Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse P.O. Box 37133 Washington, D.C. 20013-7133 Telephone: (800) 438-4318 FAX: (202) 484-1510 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.epa.gov/iaq/ * The Radon Reference Manual (PB-88196654) This publication is available for $35.00 (plus $4.00 handling) from: U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: (800) 553-6847 FAX: (703) 321-8547 E-mail address: [email protected] Web: www.htis.gov Note: Telephone numbers and prices were correct at the date of publication of this booklet, but are subject to change. 29 APPENDIX A LIST OF FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES Contact information provided was correct as of the date of publication, but is subject to change. FEDERAL AGENCIES U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control 451 7th Street, Room B133, SW Washington, D.C. 20410 Telephone: (202) 755-1785 Web: www.hud.org HUD helps people build and maintain communities of opportunity. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Public Information Center 401 M Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20460 Telephone: (202) 260-2080 Web: www.epa.gov U.S. EPA is a regulatory agency responsible for implementing federal laws designed to protect our air, water, and land from past and future environmental hazards. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Telephone: (415) 744-1500 The U.S. EPA San Francisco Regional Office (Region 9) is responsible for implementing environmental programs within the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. California Contractor’s State License Board 9835 Goethe Road P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95827 Telephone: (800) 321-2752 Web Site: www.contractorslicense.com This board is responsible for licensing contractors, including asbestos abatement. California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Asbestos Consultant Certification Unit 2211 Park Towne Circle, #1 Sacramento, CA 95825 Telephone: (916) 574-2993 Web: www.cdis.ca.org Cal/OSHA is the state equivalent to the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and regulates protection of workers. California Department of Health Services Call your local county health department listed in the front of the white pages or, on the Internet, visit www.dhs.ca.gov California Department of Health Services Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 5801 Christie Avenue, Suite 600 Emeryville, CA 94608 Telephone: (510) 622-5000 This unit provides information on lead toxicity and treatment of lead toxicity in children. STATE AGENCIES California Air Resources Board Research Div. - Indoor Exposure Assessment Section 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Telephone: (916) 323-1528 www.arb.ca.gov The Research Division allocates funds for research on air pollution and provides consumer publications. California Department of Health Services Environmental Management Branch Radon Program 601 North 7th Street Sacramento, CA 94234-7320 Telephone: (800) 745-7236 This branch provides publications and information about radon hazards. 30 California Department of Health Services Environmental Lab Accreditation Program 1625 Shattuck Avenue Berkley, CA 94709 Telephone: (510) 540-2800 This office may provide information about test procedures for analyzing environmental pollutants. California Department of Health Services Div. of Drinking Water and Environmental Management Drinking Water Technical Program Branch Sacramento Headquarters 601 North 7th Street P.O. Box 942732 Sacramento, CA 94234-7320 Telephone: (916) 323-6111 This division collects and evaluates water quality information on drinking water in California and supervises the activities of all public water systems. It also provides assistance to local health departments, water purveyors, and the general public on issues related to water quality, water supply, and water treatment: Northern California Section Sacramento District 8455 Jackson Road, Room 120 Sacramento, CA 95826 Telephone: (916) 229-3126 Lassen, Valley, Klamath & Shasta Districts 415 Knollcrest Drive, Suite 110 Redding, CA 96002 Telephone: (916) 224-4800 North Coastal Section San Francisco & Santa Clara Districts 2151 Berkeley Way, Room 458 Berkeley, CA 94704 Telephone: (510) 540-2158 Mendocino & Sonoma Districts 50 D Street, Suite 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95404-4752 Telephone: (707) 576-2145 Monterey District 1 Lower Ragsdale, Bldg. 1, Suite 120 Monterey, CA 93940 Telephone: (831) 655-6939 Central California Section Merced & Visalia Districts 1040 East Herndon Avenue, Suite 205 Fresno, CA 93720-3158 Telephone: (559) 447-3300 San Bernardino District 464 West 4th Street, #437 San Bernardino, CA 92401 Telephone: (909) 383-4328 Stockton District 31 E. Channel Street, Room 270 Stockton, CA 95202 Telephone: (209) 948-7696 Tehachapi District 1200 Discovery Drive, Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 993309 Telephone: (661) 335-7315 South Coastal Section Los Angeles District & Metropolitan Districts 1449 W. Temple Street, Room 202 Los Angeles, CA 90026 Telephone: (213) 580-5723 San Diego & Riverside Districts 1350 Front Street, Room 2050 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: (619) 525-4159 Santa Ana District 28 Civic Center Plaza, Room 325 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Telephone: (714) 558-4410 Santa Barbara District 1180 Eugenia Place, Suite 200 Carpinteria, CA 93013 Telephone: (805) 566-1326 California Department of Toxic Substances Control 1001 I Street P.O. Box 806 Sacramento, CA 95812-0806 Telephone: (916) 324-1826 Web: www.dtsc.ca.gov DTSC issues permits for treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes, inspects facilities, maintains a Superfund list and has a site clean-up program. 31 Northern California Regional Offices Sacramento Office 8800 Cal Center Drive Sacramento, CA 95826-3268 Telephone: (916) 255-3618 Clovis Office 1515 Tollhouse Road Clovis, CA 93611-0522 Telephone: (559) 297-3901 Berkeley Office 700 Heinz Avenue, Suite #200 Berkeley, CA 94710-2721 Telephone: (510) 540-2122 Southern California Regional Offices Glendale Office 1011 North Grandview Avenue Glendale, CA 91201-2205 Telephone: (818) 551-2830 Cypress Office 5796 Corporate Avenue Cypress, CA 90630-4732 Telephone: (714) 484-5300 San Diego Office 2878 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 402 San Diego, CA 92108-3847 Telephone: (619) 278-3734 California Department of Real Estate (DRE) Fresno District Office Department of Real Estate 2550 Mariposa, Room 3070 Fresno, CA 93721 Telephone: (559) 445-6153 Oakland District Office Department of Real Estate 1515 Clay Street, Room 702 Oakland, CA 94612-1413 Telephone: (510) 622-2552 Los Angeles Executive Office Department of Real Estate 320 W. 4th Street, Suite 350 Los Angeles, CA 90013 Telephone: (213) 620-2072 San Diego District Office Department of Real Estate 1350 Front Street, Room 3064 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: (619) 525-4356 Sacramento Principal Office Department of Real Estate 2201 Broadway P.O. Box 187000 Sacramento, CA 95818-7000 Telephone: (916) 227-0931 California Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Administration - Manufactured Housing P.O. Box 31 Sacramento, CA 95812-0031 Telephone: (916) 445-3338 Administration of codes and statutes relating to mobile homes. It also allocates grants and loans for low-income housing, house rehabilitation, and disaster relief. Department of General Services Documents and Publications P.O. Box 1015 North Highlands, CA 95660 Telephone: (916) 928-4630 Documents and publications are sold through this department by the various state agencies. 32 APPENDIX B GLOSSARY OF TERMS AERATION: A technique by which air is introduced into a liquid; bubbles and aerosols are generated and dissolved gases released. For example, water aerated by passing through a shower head will release dissolved radon gas. ACTIVATED CARBON: A material made from burnt wood which is used to remove organic solutes, such as pesticides, and some inorganic solutes, such as chlorine, from water. Dissolved organic solutes are removed from the water by absorption onto the activated carbon. The activated carbon must be periodically replaced when it becomes saturated and unable to adsorb any more solute. Activated carbon is not effective in removing heavy metals, such as lead, and salts, which make water hard. ANNUAL AVERAGE LEVEL: The average of measurements taken at different times over the period of one year or the level measured by a device left in place for a full year. CARCINOGEN: A substance that causes cancer. CERTIFIED LABORATORY: A laboratory that has demonstrated that it can meet the federal and state standards for accuracy and precision for a given analytical procedure. DISTILLATION: As referenced in this booklet, distillation is a technique used to purify water by removal of inorganic contaminants such as salts through heating the solution and condensing the steam. The resultant distilled water has a reduced salt concentration. Distillation is not effective in removing pesticides and volatile organic contaminants such as chloroform and benzene. EXPOSURE: Contact with an agent through inhalation, ingestion, or touching. For example, exposure to radon is primarily through inhalation; exposure to lead is primarily through ingestion. FILTRATION: Purification of water by removing undissolved solids or sediment by passing the water through a filter or sieve. Filtration does not remove dissolved salts or organic contaminants. LEVEL: Another term for concentration; also, the amount of a substance in a given volume of air, liquid or solid. LITER: Metric unit of volume equivalent to 1.057 quarts of liquid. One gallon is equivalent to about 4 liters. MILLIGRAM: A unit of weight. There are 1,000 milligrams in one gram and about 28 grams in one ounce. PARTS PER MILLION: A unit of concentration. For example, air that contains 1 part per million formaldehyde contains 1.2 milligrams formaldehyde in 1 million milliliters air, i.e.1, 000 liters, air. Also water which contains 1 part per million lead contains 1 milligram lead in 1 million milligrams water, i.e., 1 kilogram, water. One part per million can be compared to one cent in ten thousand dollars. PASSIVE DETECTOR: A measuring device that functions without any energy input or ongoing attention from the user. For example, use of a passive radon detector to measure radon requires only that the detector be left in place for a specified time. PICOCURIE: A unit of amount used in measurement of radioactive substances. For example, five picocuries of radon are five trillionths of a curie and are equivalent to 11 radioactive radon atoms decaying every minute. RADIOACTIVE: A term used to describe atoms that are unstable and break down or decay to form another kind of atom. For example, radium breaks down to form radon. In the process of decay some high-energy particles are emitted. The detection of these particles by special instruments indicates that a substance is radioactive. The high-energy particles and gamma rays are called radiation. REVERSE OSMOSIS: A technology used to purify water by removing the salts from water. Osmosis involves the diffusion of water from a dilute to a concentrated solution across a semipermeable membrane that allows only the passage of water. In reverse osmosis, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane from a concentrated solution to a stream of purified water. For example, in the desalination of seawater, reverse osmosis is used to separate the salts from the water generating drinking water and a residue of salts. RISK: In the context of this booklet, risk indicates the chance of developing a disease after exposure to an environmental hazard. Risk depends on the time period for which a person is exposed to a particular hazard and the level of the hazard. SOFT WATER: Water that does not contain large amounts of dissolved minerals such as salts containing calcium or magnesium. SOLDER: A metallic compound used to seal joints between pipes. Until recently, most solder contained about 50 percent lead. Lead solder is now banned for plumbing applications. TOXICITY: The extent to which a material is toxic. 33 Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home United States Environmental Protection Agency United States Consumer Product Safety Commission United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Are You Planning To Buy, Rent, or Renovate a Home Built Before 1978? any houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of lead (called leadbased paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. OWNERS, BUYERS, and RENTERS are encouraged to check for lead (see page 6) before renting, buying or renovating pre1978 housing. M F ederal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing: LANDLORDS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure about lead-based paint. SELLERS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead. RENOVATORS disturbing more than 2 square feet of painted surfaces have to give you this pamphlet before starting work. IMPORTANT! Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this pamphlet to learn some simple steps to protect your family. 1 Lead Gets in the Body in Many Ways Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S. People can get lead in their body if they: N Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces). N Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths. N Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead. Lead is even more dangerous to children under the age of 6: N At this age children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. N Children’s growing bodies absorb more lead. N Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them. Lead is also dangerous to women of childbearing age: N Women with a high lead level in their system prior to pregnancy would expose a fetus to lead through the placenta during fetal development. 2 Lead’s Effects It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can severely harm children. In children, lead can cause: N Nervous system and kidney damage. N Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence. N Speech, language, and behavior problems. N Poor muscle coordination. N Decreased muscle and bone growth. N Hearing damage. While low-lead exposure is most common, exposure to high levels of lead can have devastating effects on children, including seizures, unconsciousness, and, in some cases, death. Although children are especially susceptible to lead exposure, lead can be dangerous for adults too. In adults, lead can cause: N Increased chance of illness during pregnancy. N Harm to a fetus, including brain damage or death. N Fertility problems (in men and women). N High blood pressure. N Digestive problems. N Nerve disorders. N Memory and concentration problems. N Muscle and joint pain. Digestive Problems Reproductive Problems (Adults) Slowed Growth Brain or Nerve Damage Hearing Problems Lead affects the body in many ways. 3 Where Lead-Based Paint Is Found In general, the older your home, the more likely it has leadbased paint. Many homes built before 1978 have leadbased paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found: N In homes in the city, country, or suburbs. N In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing. N Inside and outside of the house. N In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.) Checking Your Family for Lead Get your children and home tested if you think your home has high levels of lead. To reduce your child's exposure to lead, get your child checked, have your home tested (especially if your home has paint in poor condition and was built before 1978), and fix any hazards you may have. Children's blood lead levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age, and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age. Consult your doctor for advice on testing your children. A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are usually recommended for: N Children at ages 1 and 2. N Children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead. N Children who should be tested under your state or local health screening plan. Your doctor can explain what the test results mean and if more testing will be needed. 4 Identifying Lead Hazards Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good condition, and it is not on an impact or friction surface, like a window. It is defined by the federal government as paint with lead levels greater than or equal to 1.0 milligram per square centimeter, or more than 0.5% by weight. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking or damaged) is a hazard and needs immediate attention. It may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as: N Windows and window sills. N Doors and door frames. N Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches. Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is scraped, sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it. The following two federal standards have been set for lead hazards in dust: N 40 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2) and higher for floors, including carpeted floors. N 250 µg/ft2 and higher for interior window sills. Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. The following two federal standards have been set for lead hazards in residential soil: N 400 parts per million (ppm) and higher in play areas of bare soil. N 1,200 ppm (average) and higher in bare soil in the remainder of the yard. The only way to find out if paint, dust and soil lead hazards exist is to test for them. The next page describes the most common methods used. 5 Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can’t always see, can both be serious hazards. Checking Your Home for Lead Just knowing that a home has leadbased paint may not tell you if there is a hazard. You can get your home tested for lead in several different ways: N A paint inspection tells you whether your home has lead-based paint and where it is located. It won’t tell you whether or not your home currently has lead hazards. N A risk assessment tells you if your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust, or soil. It also tells you what actions to take to address any hazards. N A combination risk assessment and inspection tells you if your home has any lead hazards and if your home has any lead-based paint, and where the lead-based paint is located. Hire a trained and certified testing professional who will use a range of reliable methods when testing your home. N Visual inspection of paint condition and location. N A portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine. N Lab tests of paint, dust, and soil samples. There are state and federal programs in place to ensure that testing is done safely, reliably, and effectively. Contact your state or local agency (see bottom of page 11) for more information, or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) for a list of contacts in your area. Home test kits for lead are available, but may not always be accurate. Consumers should not rely on these kits before doing renovations or to assure safety. 6 What You Can Do Now To Protect Your Family If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take some immediate steps to reduce your family’s risk: N If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint. N Clean up paint chips immediately. N Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER: NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A DANGEROUS GAS. N Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas. N Wash children’s hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time. N Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly. N Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces. N Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. N Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and dairy products. Children with good diets absorb less lead. 7 Reducing Lead Hazards In The Home Removing lead improperly can increase the hazard to your family by spreading even more lead dust around the house. Always use a professional who is trained to remove lead hazards safely. In addition to day-to-day cleaning and good nutrition: N You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by taking actions such as repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels. These actions (called “interim controls”) are not permanent solutions and will need ongoing attention. N To permanently remove lead hazards, you should hire a certified lead “abatement” contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not permanent removal. Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems—someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules as set by their state or by the federal government. Once the work is completed, dust cleanup activities must be repeated until testing indicates that lead dust levels are below the following: N 40 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2) for floors, including carpeted floors; N 250 µg/ft2 for interior windows sills; and N 400 µg/ft2 for window troughs. Call your state or local agency (see bottom of page 11) for help in locating certified professionals in your area and to see if financial assistance is available. 8 Remodeling or Renovating a Home With Lead-Based Paint Take precautions before your contractor or you begin remodeling or renovating anything that disturbs painted surfaces (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls): N Have the area tested for lead-based paint. N Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done. N Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can’t move your family, at least completely seal off the work area. N Follow other safety measures to reduce lead hazards. You can find out about other safety measures by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the brochure “Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home.” This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations. If you have already completed renovations or remodeling that could have released lead-based paint or dust, get your young children tested and follow the steps outlined on page 7 of this brochure. If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. 9 Other Sources of Lead N Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead in it: While paint, dust, and soil are the most common sources of lead, other lead sources also exist. • Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. • Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours. N The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family’s clothes. N Old painted toys and furniture. N Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain. N Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air. N Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture. N Folk remedies that contain lead, such as “greta” and “azarcon” used to treat an upset stomach. 10 For More Information The National Lead Information Center Call 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323) to learn how to protect children from lead poisoning and for other information on lead hazards. To access lead information via the web, visit www.epa.gov/lead and www.hud.gov/offices/lead/. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline Call 1-800-426-4791 for information about lead in drinking water. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Hotline To request information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury call 1-800-6382772, or visit CPSC's Web site at: www.cpsc.gov. Health and Environmental Agencies Some cities, states, and tribes have their own rules for lead-based paint activities. Check with your local agency to see which laws apply to you. Most agencies can also provide information on finding a lead abatement firm in your area, and on possible sources of financial aid for reducing lead hazards. Receive up-to-date address and phone information for your local contacts on the Internet at www.epa.gov/lead or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. For the hearing impaired, call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 to access any of the phone numbers in this brochure. 11 EPA Regional Offices Your Regional EPA Office can provide further information regarding regulations and lead protection programs. EPA Regional Offices Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 1 Suite 1100 (CPT) One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114-2023 1 (888) 372-7341 Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 2 2890 Woodbridge Avenue Building 209, Mail Stop 225 Edison, NJ 08837-3679 (732) 321-6671 Region 3 (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 3 (3WC33) 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 814-5000 Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 4 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 562-8998 Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 5 (DT-8J) 77 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604-3666 (312) 886-6003 Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 6 1445 Ross Avenue, 12th Floor Dallas, TX 75202-2733 (214) 665-7577 Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 7 (ARTD-RALI) 901 N. 5th Street Kansas City, KS 66101 (913) 551-7020 Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 8 999 18th Street, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202-2466 (303) 312-6021 Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada) Regional Lead Contact U.S. Region 9 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 947-4164 Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 10 Toxics Section WCM-128 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101-1128 (206) 553-1985 12 CPSC Regional Offices Your Regional CPSC Office can provide further information regarding regulations and consumer product safety. Eastern Regional Center Consumer Product Safety Commission 201 Varick Street, Room 903 New York, NY 10014 (212) 620-4120 Central Regional Center Consumer Product Safety Commission 230 South Dearborn Street, Room 2944 Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 353-8260 Western Regional Center Consumer Product Safety Commission 1301 Clay Street, Suite 610-N Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 637-4050 HUD Lead Office Please contact HUD's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control for information on lead regulations, outreach efforts, and lead hazard control and research grant programs. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control 451 Seventh Street, SW, P-3206 Washington, DC 20410 (202) 755-1785 This document is in the public domain. It may be reproduced by an individual or organization without permission. Information provided in this booklet is based upon current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that can be caused by lead exposure. U.S. EPA Washington DC 20460 U.S. CPSC Washington DC 20207 U.S. HUD Washington DC 20410 EPA747-K-99-001 June 2003 13 Simple Steps To Protect Your Family From Lead Hazards If you think your home has high levels of lead: N Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy. N Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often. N Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods. N Get your home checked for lead hazards. N Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. N Wipe soil off shoes before entering house. N Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint. N Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424LEAD for guidelines). N Don’t use a belt-sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, scraper, or sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead. N Don’t try to remove lead-based paint yourself. Recycled/Recyclable Printed with vegetable oil based inks on recycled paper (minimum 50% postconsumer) process chlorine free.