How To Choose An Air CleanerNowadays

It can be confusing to the average consumer on how to choose an air cleaner. With the myriad of new technology and the wide variety of brands available, no wonder it can be a challenge to choose a good air cleaner. Here are some tips to assist you in choosing one.

The CADR Level

CADR stands for clean air delivery rate. It is usually represented by numbers. Technically speaking, the higher the number, the better the air cleaner as it indicate the filtration rate is high. On the manufacturer’s box, you should be able to see three numbers which indicate the volume of processed air for each of the three most common contaminants, namely, pollen, dust and smoke.

The MERV Rating

MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. The MERV rating gives a rough indication of the efficiency of the air filter. It is represented in numbers and usually the higher the number, the better. The MERV rating is a common standard used by most manufacturers, therefore you can use this rating to gauge the efficiency of an air cleaner. Generally speaking, you should aim for a MERV rating of between 6 to 12. By the way, the MERV rating scale is from 1 to 16. 1 is the lowest and 16 is the highest.

Original Equipment Air Filters

One of the consumable items you need to replace often is the air filter. Some manufacturers decided to produce cheap, generic air filters and other replacement parts for air cleaners. You need to decide if you want to replace your air filter with generic air filters or get one from the original manufacturer. Obviously, air filters from the original equipment manufacturer is more expensive but bear in mind it is of higher quality and also using generic air filter can affect the efficiency of your air cleaner in the long run.

For replacement parts, I would highly recommend getting them from the original manufacturer since they are of higher quality and usually has a guarantee after repair. Using generic replacement parts can damage your air cleaner in the long run.

If the cost is a big concern for you, then it might be better to go with a cheaper air cleaner. However, you would want to get the air filters and any replacement parts from the original manufacturer. Doing so will prolong the longevity and save you more money in the long run.

Source: http://www.energyefficienthomearticles.com

For More Information: Visit: http://www.safe-homes.com

Some Things You May Not Know About Mold

Here is the issue: A Lot of people are going to great lengths to ensure that there is no mold in their homes. Now alone, that is a good thing, but there is a problem. Not every inspector is going to be able to correctly identify mold and within that, what kinds of mold may be dangerous. Although mold has become a bit of a hot topic in home sales, much of this is based on extreme cases. Mold does present a problem, especially when given ideal conditions in which to flourish. That is a moist, humid,and dark area where there is an organic material for it to grown on. Without these conditions, mold cannot grow.

However, there is another problem with mold and that is that it is extremely easy to misidentify mold. In fact many times that mold is found in a home it is in fact mildew. This is another naturally occurring growth that is in no way harmful. What is harmful to humans are a few different types of organically occurring mold such as Mucor, Chaetomium and particularity S tachybotrys. When you hear stories of mold drastically affecting someone's health it is usually this last form of mold that is being referred to. Typically the only way to remove a growing mold is to remove the nutrient source that it is growing on. That is, the wood (usually). Mold grows best on wood that has been exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity. In an average home this would happen in an area affected by a structural imperfection or after a flood. There are chemical ways of cleaning mold from these surfaces but if you want to be 100% certain it might be a good idea to replace the piece of wood or surface if at all possible.

Keep in mind that everyone's sensitivity to mold will be different. However, it is safe to assume that people with Asthma, delicate immune systems or allergies will have greater sensitivity to molds. One of the main problems with mold is the fact that is grows unseen in places that its impossible to see such as inside walls, inside sub-f loors, in attics and basements. The main thing to be watchful for is areas where the moisture level is high. If you suspect there is mold in your home, be sure to get a certified mold expert in the take a look.

Latex Allergies in Children

By Scott Fitzgerald

Latex allergy in children seems to be on the rise, although that perception may be based more on awareness than on increased incidence of latex allergy. If you know your child has, or suspect your child has a latex allergy, it is important to educate yourself to know what this allergy is and how to manage latex allergy in children.


What Is A Latex Allergy?

Latex allergy in children is an allergic reaction that results from an allergy to a protein found in the liquid in the tropical rubber tree. This liquid is harvested and used to produce rubber products. It is the protein that causes latex allergy in children, but true latex rubber products cannot be produced without the allergenic protein.

What Products Is Latex Found In?

Many every-day products are made with latex rubber. Some products that contain latex rubber are

* Balloons
* Rubber toys such as stretch toys and koosh balls—may include dog toys
* Rubber nipples and pacifiers
* Rubber/elastic bands (including elastic waist bands on clothing and underwear
* Tape and adhesive bandages, band aids
* Adhesives on diapers and sanitary pads
* Condoms and diaphragms
* Some paints (latex-based and others)
* Zippered sandwich bags
* Rubber shoes, boots, and clothing, including rain coats

Latex rubber is used extensively in medical and dental products, including

* Latex gloves
* Elastic bandages (such as Ace bandages)
* Urinary catheters
* Dental dams
* Tourniquets
* Breathing masks/resuscitation equipment
* Wheelchair cushions and tires
* Grips and cushions on crutches
* Stethoscopes
* IV tubing
* Blood pressure cuffs

These lists are by no means exhaustive, but do include many of the most common latex-containing products that children with latex allergy may come into contact with. As a rule of thumb when in doubt, suspect any product that is light brown and/or stretchy of containing latex.

What Increases The Likelihood Of A Latex Allergy In Children?

Latex allergy in children can occur in any child, but a few things may increase the likelihood of a latex allergy. The risk for latex allergy in children increases with exposure to latex-containing products.

*Children with certain food allergies may also be allergic to latex because latex and some foods share similar proteins. Children who are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, avocados, kiwi, tomato, figs, papaya, peaches, plums, and celery may also be allergic to the protein in latex.
*Children who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk of developing latex allergy due to increased exposure. Children who have had multiple surgeries and/or frequent medical treatment, children with Spina Bifida, children with genitourinary diseases, and children with internal latex medical devices (such as tubes and catheters) are at increased risk for latex allergy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Latex Allergy In Children?

Latex allergy in children often presents with symptoms that are quite similar to other allergies and reactions. For this reason, it is important to discuss reactions with your child’s doctor to determine the cause of the reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy in children include:

* Watery or itchy eyes
* Runny nose or sneezing
* Skin rash at point of contact—may be red, swollen, or bumped
* Hives
* Wheezing/difficulty breathing
* Tightness in chest
* Itchy skin
* Anaphylactic shock

How Severe Is Latex Allergy In Children?

As with all allergies, latex allergy in children can vary from mild to severe. Mild latex allergies in children may present sinus or skin discomfort or itchiness. Severe latex allergies in children can compromise breathing and cause swelling of the throat and mouth—children with severe latex allergies need emergency treatment.

It should be noted that latex allergy in children may start off as a mild reaction but may increase in severity with further exposure and subsequent incidences; it is important to discuss the risk to your child with a doctor even if a latex allergy in a child seems minor.

How Can Latex Allergy Be Avoided?

Management of latex allergy in children requires avoidance of latex-based/containing products.

*Children should not play with toys that contain (or are suspected of containing) latex
*Products should be replaced with latex-free products (medical equipment and supplies in particular—make sure medical professionals use latex-free gloves
*Since latex proteins can be disbursed by powder in latex medical gloves, children with latex allergies should avoid areas where powdered gloves are used and changed frequently
*Pack latex-free gloves with your child for emergency use
*Outfit your child with a medic-alert bracelet or necklace
*Make sure all care-providers, school staff, coaches, and teachers know about your child’s latex allergy

There are alternative products for anything that contains latex. Silicone, plastic, and vinyl are all safe alternatives for children with latex allergies. It is imperative that not only parents know about safe management of latex allergies in children, but all school and medical personnel as well. A concerted effort to avoid latex for children with latex allergies will ensure that an allergy does not progress to or cause a severe reaction that could become threatening for your child.

For more information: Asthma and Allergies

Spores Left Unchecked Can Cause Illness

by Cindy Howle

Tommy Riley of Seminary moved into a new top-of-the-line, double-wide trailer in July 1998. Nestled on 111 acres, it was as nice as some homes, he thought, a perfect fit to learn the lay of the land before building a permanent home.

Within the first six months of living there, the self-employed used-equipment salesman and his family began having upper respiratory problems, coughing and laryngitis. Four years later, his 7- year-old nephew fell in the hall, leaving a sinking hand print on the wall.

After searching their home, they found mold dots sprinkled throughout in the top of closets, and their battle with serious mold was just beginning.

Mold reactions can range from mild to life-threatening, according to David Straus, professor of microbiology and immunology at Texas Tech University.
"How large a problem it is depends on what type of organism it is (there are 100,000 species), the amount of mold growing indoors and the susceptibility of the people living in the house," said Straus, who conducts extensive mold research.

If there's mold growing in grout, it's not a problem. If you have several square feet growing on a wall, it's a serious problem Straus said. "Mycotoxins are poisons produced by mold for reasons we don't understand."

More than 20 installation/manufacturing problems were identified through professional inspections of Riley's mobile home. In 2002, he and his family evacuated because of ongoing mold symptoms. His attorney recommended he see a physician in Maryland specializing in mold toxicity.

They traveled to Maryland in 2007 for a diagnosis and received treatment. Riley believes they need to return for additional treatment to reverse his short-term memory loss, but expense is a major deterrent.

"With the mobile home industry, structure and installation is a problem. Builders are in a hurry; things get in a hurry. Who wants to step up to the plate and fix this? It will be expensive to fix. Medical issues are expensive. Environmental cleanup is expensive," Riley said.

His problems are not across the board with mobile homes.
"We have a very regulated industry," said Jennifer Hall, executive director of the Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association. "HUD sets the guidelines for how homes are built, set up and sold."

In her 14 years as director, she has never had a mold complaint, Hall says.
Mississippi families live in more than 500,000 manufactured houses.
Hall said all mobile homes in Mississippi should be installed by a licensed installer. Improper site preparation - where land wasn't leveled resulting in moisture accumulation under homes - could lead to problems.

HUD increased installation standards that went into effect Monday for houses built across the nation. Hall said Mississippi already was installing homes at those standards.

Also, the 2008 Legislature passed a law to require inspections by the state fire marshal's office of all new and used manufactured houses after purchase. The inspections were done at random before, Hall said.

Riley has met many with similar problems through a Web site he developed to help others with similar mold issues.

"A lot of people have nowhere to go. It's the only home they will ever own. We are worried about others not being treated. They can't afford to leave and can't afford to be treated. They don't know what to do."

If you have indoor mold, find and repair the moisture source. Remove the mold and replace damaged materials with clean building materials, microbiologist Straus recommended. "If it is 100 square feet of mold, get an expert to come in and handle it."

Moisture control is paramount in controlling mold. The Environmental Protection Agency stresses drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours if possible.

Mold also can be found on the back of drywall, wallpaper, paneling or on the top of ceiling tiles. If you are suspicious of hidden mold, the EPA recommends hiring an experienced professional.

Virginia Hollingsworth, a fourth-grade teacher in Oxford, graduated with honors from Murrah High School in 2002. She was involved in many community service projects and enjoyed her Murrah years. Yet from 1998 to graduation, she was plagued with ongoing allergic reactions from the mold there, she said.

Allergic reactions rank sixth as the leading cause of chronic disease in the United States costing health care $18 billion dollars annually according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

"Visible mold would collect on the air conditioning units in the ceiling. It blew, and mold was there constantly. We would come back from summer break and walls in one classroom would be covered with green mold. They'd wash it down every year. ... Murrah had leaks," Hollingsworth said.

According to Fred Davis, director of facilities at Jackson Public Schools, there was a complaint about Murrah and an environmental professional tested the air quality within the last two years. No evidence of mold in the air, building or ductwork was found.

Molds are fungi that thrive in moisture, releasing invisible spores that can contain allergens and toxins called mycotoxins. Allergic reactions happen when the immune system overreacts to breathing in allergens, according to Dr. Linda Tanaka, associate professor of allergy, asthma and immunology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Mold also may trigger asthma attacks in an asthmatic person, according to Tanaka.

"Asthma and allergies are interrelated," Tanaka said. Mold allergies are year-round in the South, where deep freezes are uncommon and spores stay alive and thrive in the humidity.

Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose, post-nasal drip and, for the asthmatic, shortness of breath. Left untreated, more serious conditions such as an allergic fungal sinusitis (fungal ball in the sinuses) and a fungal infection of the lungs can develop, Tanaka said.

Hollingsworth took daily allergy medications and had immunotherapy injections.

"If you see mold, you should not ignore it," researcher Straus said, "and it will not go away on its own. Use your head and fix it."

For More Information on: Mold

Environmental illnesses are gaining attention, thanks to the 'green' movement

by Angela Townsend/Plain Dealer Reporter

You move to a new city and into an old house that you fall in love with at first sight.

A year later, you develop a nagging cough that even the strongest prescription cough syrup can't seem to tame.

At first your doctor says your symptoms are all in your head but then suggests you might have some kind of incurable respiratory disease.

She refers you to an ear, nose and throat specialist. After a battery of tests, he concludes that you have borderline asthma and puts you on two daily medications.

A couple of years later, you still have the cough, but it's not as bad. Another new doctor decides you have allergies and switches your medication.

A friend of yours suggests you get your house tested for mold.

It sounds weird, but he explains that it's the same advice he just got from his doctor.

He developed a sensitivity to mold that in recent years had grown much worse. A visit to an expert in neurotoxic poisoning confirmed what he suspected for a while: Other doctors may have been diagnosing and treating him for illnesses he didn't have.

If he didn't change his surroundings, his situation could turn deadly.

The scenario, based on experiences of real people, is typical of many who suffer from environmental illnesses or chemical sensitivities.

Dr. Lisa Lavine NagyOften their symptoms mimic other more well-known conditions, whose treatments may address the symptoms but not the core problem.
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has been working toward finding the cause of these conditions for the past 40 years.

Going beyond just treating symptoms, environmental medicine is the study of how the reactions we have when we're exposed to certain toxins affect our immune and neuroendocrine (nervous system and hormones) systems.

Still, the field is often misunderstood as "alternative" medicine. But with the growing popularity for "green" lifestyles and all things organic, and with illnesses that Louisiana residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina got after living in Federal Emergency Management Agency-provided trailers, environmental medicine is getting more attention.

"People just make such a quick judgment about those who are really, really sick," said Dr. Lisa Lavine Nagy, who has been championing for heightened awareness since her own series of misdiagnoses several years ago for what turned out to be severe multiple chemical sensitivity.

Often, those quick judgments happen because the people more likely to report their chemical sensitivities are women over age 40, she said. Most "normal" women of that age have mild symptoms that are hard to explain, and thus easier to dismiss, she said.

Experts say that everyone is affected in some way by chemical sensitivity. No one quite knows why, but some think genetics may play a large role.

Some people are on the severe end, with their sensitivities so extreme that they can't function in many public places where they can't control their environment.

Others may have relatively mild symptoms -- or none at all.

The rest are in the middle. Adults suddenly may develop asthma. People may become irritated by certain scents that once went unnoticed.

Nagy, a 1978 Hathaway Brown School grad, practiced medicine in the Los Angeles area until she was too weak to work. Mold in her house, caused by a faulty aquarium, sickened her and her family.

Possible signs of an environmental illness:

• Headaches while talking on your cell or cordless phone.

• Increased sense of smell, especially to items such as perfume, laundry detergents, cats, etc.

• Increased sensitivity to fluorescent light.

• A diagnosis of adrenal fatigue, or thyroid deficiency or overactivity.

Tips from Dr. Michael Roizen, Cleveland Clinic:

• One of the keys -- especially here in Cleveland -- is to air one's house out. Over the course of a winter, the quality of inside air becomes worse than outside air, he said. It doesn't hurt to open the windows periodically on good days during the winter.

• Avoid materials -- household cleaners, rugs, air fresheners, even some furniture -- that emit lots of volatile hydrocarbons. As Roizen put it, "You want to use cleaning fluids that are, in fact, safe enough to drink."

Possible treatments to discuss with your doctor (from Dr. Lisa Nagy):

• Remove yourself from possible causes, i.e. a "sick" house or office. The culprit may be mold, or as unsuspecting as carpeting or fabric softener. A July study from the University of Washington revealed that six top-selling laundry products and air fresheners gave off toxic chemicals -- none of which was listed on product labels.

• Decrease your total chemical load. Switch to organic food, filtered air and water.

• Detoxify with the help of intravenous and oral vitamins and supplements, under a doctor's supervision.

• Investigate whether you have specific food or chemical allergies or hormone imbalances and/or insufficiencies.

• Consider treatment in a low-temperature (140 degrees) sauna, under a doctor's supervision.

For additional Information:

Mold forces emergency closing of preschool

By LARRY KAHN

40 students moved to another site

High levels of mold have been found at the Frederick Douglass Child Development Center in Key West, forcing the 40 students there to be moved to another school.

The center, at 103 Olivia St., is operated by Wesley House Family Services.

Wesley House Chief Executive Officer Doug Blomberg says "we were doing some testing" and the results that came in Friday forced the closure.

A "remediation" plan will now be developed -- and that could mean something as small as "cleaning the surfaces" or completely "redoing the building," Blomberg says.

In the meantime, the 40 students, who range from infant to age 5, have been moved to the Inez Martin Child Development Center at 1100 Varela St. That Wesley House center has just recently been renovated.

"Inez will have about 100 students now," Blomberg says. "And it's capable of handling beyond that because we just renovated the Inez Martin facility. And we moved the teachers over from Douglass."

The Douglass center will be closed "for an undetermined period of time."

For More Information: Mold

FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination

On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.

The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China.

At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. To date, investigators have visited more than 1,000 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.

In addition, the FDA is advising consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from internet sites or from other sources.

The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply. In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins. In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

This sampling and testing is done when these ingredients or products are imported into the United States or found during visits to Asian markets. If the products are adulterated because they contain melamine and/or a melamine analog, the FDA will take action to prevent the products from entering the U.S. food supply.

In addition to state and local governments, the FDA is working in close cooperation with Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies, and foreign governments.

For More Information: FDA

Contaminated Infant Formula

Melamine is in the news and in food again, this time in infant formula sold in China, and is responsible for the death of three babies and for sickening 6,244 others.

The FDA has announced that no infant formula made in China should be consumed and instead should be replaced with U.S.-made formula from one of these companies: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals and Solus Products LLC. If your infant drinks formula either at home or at a day care facility, check to ensure that it comes from one of these companies.

Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.

Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.

Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.

In the U.S., parents may be a little more concerned about melamine dishware; see "Dirty Dishes: Finding Alternatives to Melamine."

© The Green Guide, 2008

For More Information: Chemicals

10 Tips For Going Green!

by Mr. Artemiss

It can be easier then you think because there are a lot of little things we can do to live a greener life.

1. Recycle the items you would normally throw in the garbage. Plastic water bottles is a good example.

2. Reuse the plastic grocery bags you get when you go shopping. Buy one of the canvas bags most retailers are offering in the stores.

3. Unplug electronic items not being used that are consuming electrics. Example: Digital clocks you rarely even look at.

4. Buy your produce from the local farmers market to encourage green business practices.

5. Participate in a local Recycling Program to help Save The Earth.

6. Gardening: use compost instead of buying traditional chemical based fertilizers.

7. Raise the thermostat 2 Degrees to lower your Energy Costs which cuts oil consumption.

8. Shut the TV off one night a week and have a Family Night with games and fun together. Try it, you will be closer.

9. Replace the door seals to prevent air leakage through the door edges.

10. Use cold water when washing your clothes. Add a Peroxide based cleaner such as Oxi-Clean.

Green Living is not a difficult transition. Just little things that can save you money in the long run. These things will help save you money now and save our environment for years to come.

For More Information: http://www.green-glass.com

Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools is Vital For Children To Learn

by Mr. Artemiss

For a child to learn, it is important for School Administrators to prevent poor Indoor Air Quality. It can have a negative impact on students in our schools' nationwide. The sad state that our Educational School System is due to budget cuts that prevent maintenance repairs. These repairs are needed so that the nations children can go on and learn.

The Air Quality is not always being maintained due to budget cuts and poor maintenance policies. The EPA reports that poor Indoor Air Quality will increase student absenteeism, affect the student and staff concentration, Performance is also affected due to the risk of Indoor Air Quality related health conditions such as Asthma and Respiratory illnesses. The EPA's "Tools For Schools" Program shows schools how to implement a practical plan to improve Indoor Air problems at little or no-cost using practical methods and in-house staff. The program is complete with the best practices, industry's latest guidelines and a plan to help do it.

The EPA's Reference Guide also gives a common-sense approach for preventing, diagnosing, and solving most Indoor Air Quality problems. They even show you how to institute them with minimal cost. It also helps the School System Administrators to understand how IAQ problems begin, why you must have good Indoor Air Quality and its impact on all the building occupants.

The new school year is commencing, Safe Homes Environmental Consultants recommends that parents, teachers, and administrators try to provide an optimal learning and teaching environment by making sure that the HVAC Systems are being maintained properly to improve the indoor air quality of schools.

It is important that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in good working order with no mold present to affect the learning abilities of the children. The systems should be in top working order.

To Insure Good Learning In School, Safe Homes recommends the following:

1. Call a professional to inspect the systems to make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
2. The filters should be changed on a regular basis to prevent contaminants from reaching the children.

In Conclusion, parents should get involved with their schools Indoor Air Quality Program. This will insure that our children receive a good education in a clean environment. The EPA has a program which can be instituted to help called the "Tools For Schools".

It is available from the EPA website. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/toolkit.html

For More Information: Asthma

Contaminated Infant Formula

Melamine is in the news and in food again, this time in infant formula sold in China, and is responsible for the death of two babies and for sickening 1,253 others. The FDA has announced that no infant formula made in China should be consumed and instead should be replaced with U.S.-made formula from one of these companies: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals and Solus Products LLC. If your infant drinks formula either at home or at a day care facility, check to ensure that it comes from one of these companies.

Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.

Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.

Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.


© The Green Guide, 2008

For More Information: http://www.allergy-safehomes.com

Radon Gas

By Debbie Gilbert

Last week, the city of Helen shut down one of its five wells after a radioactive gas, radon, was detected in the water.

Helen city manager Jerry Elkins said the city should be able to get along fine with its remaining four wells. But the situation is a reminder that radon can be found not just in the air but also in water, and at high levels it can be a threat to human health.

"We voluntarily shut (the well) down, just to be on the safe side," said Elkins, adding that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has asked the city to retest the well, to make sure the initial reading was correct.

Though located directly on the Chattahoochee River, Helen does not withdraw water from it and relies on wells for its water supply.

The affected well, located in the Innsbruck subdivision, is by far the lowest producing of the five, Elkins said.

"We only get about 5,000 gallons out of it every three days," he said. "None of that water is pumped to downtown, and only about 10 percent of the water that goes to Innsbruck is produced from that well."

He said the Innsbruck community has approximately 200 homes. But even if the well contains radon, Elkins said he believes the health risk to residents is low. "The water is mixed with water from other wells, so by the time it reaches people's houses it is very diluted," he said.

If the well is proven to be contaminated, Elkins said, the city will probably shut it down permanently rather than spend money trying to fix the problem.

He said Helen is already testing sites for a new well.

"We will have a new elevated water tower, and we'll be putting in a booster pump to move water from downtown to the Innsbruck tank," he said.

Elkins said Helen is in no danger of running low on water, even with Oktoberfest beginning this week. In an emergency, he said, the city would be able to connect with a pipeline from the White County Water Authority.

Communities that get their water from a surface source, such as a river or reservoir, don't have to worry about radon in the water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most of the gases in surface water dissipate into the air even before the water reaches a treatment plant.

But residents whose water comes from a well may have reason to be concerned. Radon gas, which is invisible, odorless and tasteless, is created by the breakdown of uranium in rocks underground.

Usually, radon gets into a home by seeping up from the soil into the air. But radon can also dissolve into
groundwater. If your house uses well water, radon can be released from the water into the air every time you shower or wash dishes.

These radioactive particles can become lodged in your lungs when you breathe. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., surpassed only by smoking. According to the EPA, radon kills about 20,000 people a year.

And the longer you live in a radon-contaminated home, the greater your exposure.

"It's cumulative, permanent damage," said Ginger Bennett, radon educator for Hall County's Extension office. "But radon doesn't produce any symptoms until lung cancer develops."

If the air in your home tests negative for radon, she said, there's probably not any radon in your water.

"It's expensive to test well water," she said. "We recommend that you test the air first."

Bennett's office distributes free, easy-to-use kits for testing household air quality, available to anyone in Northeast Georgia.

"In five years, we've given out about 30,000 kits," she said. "But only about 30 percent are actually used."

Some residents may believe there's no point in testing their home for radon if there's nothing they can do to fix the problem when it's found.

"The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Surgeon General recommend that every home be tested," said Bennett. "The biggest problem is there's no financial aid available to homes that test high."

She said radon mitigation in the average home can cost about $2,000. If radon is coming up directly from the soil, a certified radon mitigator can install venting systems to direct the gas out of the house.

If radon is coming from a well, there are two types of devices that can make the water safer. Granulated activated carbon filters can capture the radon, and aerators can release radon from the water and carry it outside via an exhaust fan.

Either way, the resident will have to spend money, Bennett said.

"Filtering water is expensive," she said. "There's also the problem of how do you dispose of the radioactive filter."

And for people who don't own their homes, there may be little they can do about radon other than to relocate.

"Radon is not regulated in Georgia, and there is no central place to report," said Bennett. "A landlord is not obligated to test for radon, to reveal test results, or to fix it."

Bennett said she wishes she could do more to actually help people whose homes have radon problems.

"So far, about one in five homes in Hall is testing high," she said, meaning they exceed the threshold at which the EPA recommends mitigation should be done.

"But there is no safe level," she said. "It's radiation."

Asbestos found in Special Education School

A Department of Education report recently revealed that Public School 265 in Rockaway, NY contains dangerous levels of asbestos. Rockaway, New York (JusticeNewsFlash.com – Asbestos News Report) –Most kids play hooky when they don’t want to go to school, but the at the Public School 265, students are actually getting sick from the school building itself. Cracked floor and ceiling tiles, crumbling walls and peeling paint are just a few ways the special needs children are being constantly exposed to asbestos, lead and mold. The asbestos becomes particularly dangerous when it becomes airborne. The particles are inhaled and stuck to the inner lining of the lungs, forming deadly cancer.

It is appalling that federal law officials have let the school get this bad. Where were their regular school inspections? Where was the plan and implementation of action to clean up the contaminated area so that these children could learn in a safe environment? How can this be permitted? It is shocking that although many inspectors knew about the condition of the school, 60 staff and 120 children were still allowed to stay in the site until the end of the summer session. It is completely unfair to these children, many of whom are dealing with autism and other disabilities. They are already at such a disadvantage; they do not need to be visiting the hospitals more than they already do. There needs to be stricter regulations and inspections conducted in these schools. The school board and officials will meet to discuss the course of action.

To learn more about Asbestos exposure / about mesothelioma cancer Check out following links:

About Mesothelioma Cancer - Covering:
The Law in Regards to Mesothelioma & Finding Mesothelioma lawyer
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Types
Research on Mesothelioma
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim
Exposure to Asbestos
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JusticeNewsFlash.com Free news source on Asbestos by legal news expert, Mesothelioma lawyers from: Boston, Chicago, New York, Dallas, west Palm Beach.

For more information: Asbestos

After the floods, mold is a growing problem

By Charlie Breitrose/Daily News staff

With the remnants of Hurricane Hanna hitting Massachusetts this weekend, some area homeowners may find themselves facing a basement filled with water or a leaking roof, either of which could lead to the growth of harmful mold.

Quick action must be taken to prevent the growth of the spores, said Hopkinton's Peter Seltzer, who has been in the business of cleaning carpets and dealing with flooded basements and such situations for three decades.

"The first 48 hours are critical," Seltzer said. "If your basement is wet, the first thing you want to do is to get as much of the water out as possible, and get a professional in with a moisture meter."

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, molds can cause allergies, be an irritant and even be toxic and lead to death.

John Mitchell, who works with ATA Fire and Flood Restoration in Franklin and has 23 years experience, said he sees a lot of people who wait to take action.

"I saw it with the storm that just went through, a couple weeks ago. A lot of people sit and wait and not do anything about it when water comes into their house," Mitchell said. "They wait a week or so and have another problem, that's mold."

Mold will not start forming for two days, but when it does, it can be tough to find and costly to remove.

Friday, Seltzer put the finishing touches on a mold removal project in a home in Sudbury. The carpet of the finished basement had been removed, and the bottom couple feet of dry wall had been ripped out to get inside the wall.

Seltzer spent a few days drying the basement with industrial dehumidifiers, and cleaned the air with HEPA filters to remove spores in the air.

He removed the water-damaged drywall and scrubbed other surfaces with a biowash that kills the mold.

"People are under the misconception that bleach kills mold. That's not the case," Seltzer said. "Biowash breaks the shell of the mold spores so they can't grow."

Before he closes up a wall or finishes with a wooden frame, Seltzer tests the inside of the wood to make sure the inside and outside are dry.

Finally, the affected areas must be sealed so moisture cannot get in again.

Seltzer also recommends hiring a third-party inspector, known as an industrial hygienist, to make sure the job has been done correctly.

Mitchell said homeowners should keep an eye out for potential areas where moisture can build.

"If you have growth of mold on house on the outside, nine times out of 10 there is mold inside," Mitchell said.

In some instances, the water does not come from outside the house. Mitchell said a small leak from an ice maker in a refrigerator can start the build up of mold, and sometimes there is no leak at all.

"Last week, I did one job where a bathroom fan goes into the attic and there is nowhere for it to go," Mitchell said. "Mold grew and you have to sand it down and seal the wood, which is expensive."

Preventing or cleaning up mold is important for homeowners because regulations require houses to be mold-free before being sold, Mitchell said.

New laws will make it even tougher, Seltzer said, allowing buyers to back out of deals if a home has ever had a mold problem, Seltzer said.

Stopping a leak or flood before it occurs is the best way to prevent mold.

"Twice a year, people should walk around the house and look for potential problems," Seltzer said. "Look at the condition of the roof and see if shingles are missing. Make sure the gutters are clear and the water sheds away from the house. And make sure the chimney is attached tight."

To prevent water getting in a basement, Seltzer said there should be at least 24 inches of clearance from ground to the the top of the foundation, as well as to the top of the basement bulkhead.

Not taking precautions could be costly for home owners, Mitchell said.

"A lot of it's not covered by insurance," Mitchell said. "But it's expensive and times are tough so that is one of the main things why they wouldn't (take preventative action)."

(Charlie Breitrose can be reached at 508-626-3964 or cbreitro@cnc.com.)

Free EPA Mold Report: Mold

Tidal power projects move forward in eastern Maine and around the world

By: The Canadian Press

EASTPORT, Maine — Workers spent the past winter tinkering with high-tech turbines slung beneath a barge in the cold waters off the Maine coast before getting them to produce a modest 20 kilowatts, enough electricity to power a half-dozen homes.

Far from discouraged, Ocean Renewable Power Co. is spending the summer preparing to deploy larger turbines capable of producing up to five megawatts, enough electricity to power 5,000 houses.

Eventually, the company envisions producing enough electricity to power 22,000 homes by harnessing the power of Passamaquoddy Bay, where twice each day the tide rises and falls upward of six metres, the greatest tide change in the continental United States.

"This is our beachhead opportunity to enter the market," project manager John Ferland said.

Even before energy prices surged, a study conducted by the electric utility industry concluded that tidal power could be produced at a cost competitive with wind power and power plants fired by natural gas.

Companies raced to file permits with the Federal Energy Regulation Commission, but Ocean Renewable Power has moved a step forward by using its turbine generating unit to produce power. It is one of dozens of developers positioning for a lead role in tidal power technology.

"Basically, the technology is here. It's just a matter of engineering it for the lowest cost, the highest reliability and the longest survivability in a hostile and corrosive environment," said Roger Bedard, who led the study for the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, Calif.

The experiment taking place in the 37-metre-deep Western Passage represents the latest advance in an emerging technology that seems to be moving forward in baby steps, but could one day help meet the growing worldwide demand for electricity.

Ocean Renewable Power was the only developer with turbines in U.S. waters that generated electricity this year, Bedard said. He said tests are also being run elsewhere, including the British Isles, Canada and Italy.

As the nation seeks to wean itself from foreign oil and curb global warming, alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal are becoming more attractive.

Tides hold a number of advantages. Winds can turn calm and clouds can obscure the sun but the immutable tides turn twice a day, no matter what, providing a steady and predictable source of power.

Because of water's greater density, the technology requires fewer turbines to produce the same amount of electricity as wind. Underwater turbines also are unlikely to draw complaints about spoiled views or disrupted tranquility from coastal residents.

But tidal power still has a long row to hoe. Bedard figures that tidal is more than 15 years behind wind, which today has an installed capacity of 80,000 megawatts worldwide.

Eastport was the site of a previous effort to harness the region's powerful tides, back when Franklin Roosevelt was president and America was mired in the Depression.

Down the block from Ocean Renewable Power's office and across from the tall wooden pilings that expose the magnitude of Eastport's tides, a museum on Water Street features a scale model of the last effort.

Bob Lewis helped to restore the model, which was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to pinpoint the location of the huge dams and impoundments that were part of Roosevelt's Passamaquoddy Bay Tidal Power Project.

"It helps put what we're doing in perspective," said Lewis, a military retiree who now supervises Ocean Renewable Power's onsite operations.

Systems under development today rely on tidal stream turbines that are powered by current flows, just as windmills are spun by moving air.

Known as tidal in-stream or hydrokinetics, the process is a far cry from old-style tidal barrages that are more akin to dams and cost much more to build. The best-known plant of that type, built on France's Rance estuary, has been producing power for more than 40 years.

Ocean Renewable Power tested its prototype with different types of blades for much of the past winter in the frigid waters of Deep Cove. The tests were done aboard the barge Energy Tide 1, which is equipped with devices to measure turbine speed, tidal flow rate, voltage and electrical current.

A bigger test came in April, when the barge was towed to the Western Passage between Eastport and Canada's Deer Island, where it generated electricity for the first time. While the output was modest, the purpose was to demonstrate the feasibility of the turbine generator unit and Ferland said it passed that test with flying colours.

The commercial model would be roughly three times the size of the prototype and be placed in the water for testing as early as next year. By 2011, if all goes well, output could expand to five megawatts. Ocean Renewable Power's long-term goal is an array of turbines that would generate 80 to 120 megawatts.

Only a handful of sites in the lower 48 states lend themselves to utility scale tidal generation, according to Bedard, including Eastport and a few areas along Washington's Puget Sound. Alaska, he said, has 95 per cent of U.S. tidal resources and Canada also has huge potential, but the challenge lies in transmitting that power to markets where it is needed.

While Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy in the U.S. and Canada are prime proving grounds for tidal power, tests are also being run at other sites. The largest, a 1.2 megawatt generator, was deployed this year by Marine Current Turbines at Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland.

Another developer, Verdant Power, placed turbines in New York's East River last year to test delivery of tidal power to a local supermarket and parking garage. The test was a success but the project experienced problems with broken blades and has since installed new ones. Another urban site being explored is beneath San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

In Maine, Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power is looking to generate revenue in three ways. It can provide its technology to other permit holders, generate power at its own sites, and take on the role of project developer for others who enter the market.

Because the technology is still in its infancy, techniques for building and deploying turbines are still being shaped.

"What we're doing is not in the shop manual," Lewis said. "We're writing the shop manual."

For More Information on Environmental Issues: www.safe-homes.com

Do Your Own Real Estate Inspection Like A Pro

Real estate roperty, like any other good for sale, comes in all conditions. But the average home or real property costs 8-10 times or more the amount of other high ticket items. That’s what makes it an investment rather than merely a purchase. Essential to ensuring it’s a sound one is getting a thorough inspection. Write right into the deal that any offer is contingent on a satisfactory inspection. And what constitutes ’satisfactory’…?

Assuming the property contains wood, first and foremost is a separate termite and pest inspection. Most ‘home inspectors’ don’t check for this, concentrating instead on mechanical and others aspects. Termites, carpenter ants, even mice can weaken walls and floors, chew through wiring, and ruin attics and shelving.

Professional inspectors check every aspect of a property and structure.

Starting with the foundation, they look for large cracks (almost all have minor ones), check for level ground, and influx of water. Evidence can show up as efflorescence ?a white powdery material which indicates penetration points, mold or mildew (black stained areas). Some will use lasers to check level and cracking and some even use meters to check for radon gas concentrations.

Houses sit on top of foundations and that flooring has to be inspected for proper joints, angles, and materials used. From those floors rise walls which are similarly subject to incorrect framing and potential water damage. Inside the walls, plumbing and electrical systems are inspected for damage, non-code compliant construction, or simple age or wear. Any leaks are noted and pipes inspected for rust, lead, or other chemical concerns. Flow rate and pressure are sometimes measured.

Electrical systems get a thorough review, checking for faulty wiring, uncovered switches or receptacles, incorrect grounding, inadequate circuit breakers, or bad GFCI trips. The latter are those little red buttons often seen in the middle of outlets. They are somewhat like miniature circuit breakers built into the receptacle itself.

Working up to the attic, framing is checked for angles and strength and the area checked for air or water leaks or damage. The underneath of the roof is examined for tears or holes in papering and proper seal where vent pipes protrude outside.

Up on the roof the inspector will check for holes, loose tile, bad flashing or any other weakness that leads to lack of protection against the elements.

Around the house outside all faucets are tested for leaks and proper flow, inside all heating and air conditioning systems will be checked for duct leaks, filter condition, and adequate capacity and flow. Thermostats get a thorough going over.

Any inbuilt appliances, such as stove and water heater are checked for compliance with standards. Installed propane or wood stoves and piping are checked for physical integrity and proper function.

Carpets are checked for inappropriate levels of wear or damage and tested for mold or water damage. Any paint damage, particularly due to water infiltration, get noted.

All these items, and many more, are noted on a report available to whomever ordered and paid for the inspection. To the potential buyer, defective items can be used as bargaining chips when negotiating price and other terms of sale. But the inspection can also benefit the seller by allowing for the opportunity to repair or improve items before putting the property on the market.

To either party, an inspection for a few hundred dollars can save thousands during the process. Information isn’t just power, it’s money, too.

Brian Walker is a freelance Internet writer. You can find more real estate investing resources online on http://www.erealestatepro.com.

For More Information on Mold Inspections: http://www.safe-homes.com

Clear the Air

By Solvie Karlstrom

Diesel exhaust from school buses contains asthma-triggering particulates and 40 microscopic chemicals that the Clean Air Act classifies as hazardous air pollutants.

Keeping the air clean is especially important for children--pound for pound, they breathe in more air and more pollutants than adults. You can reduce the problem by lobbying to bring new technologies to your school, like the propane-powered buses developed by Blue Bird Corporation, which eliminate particulates and can halve fuel costs, among other benefits. Diesel buses may also be retrofitted with technologies like diesel particulate filters; for a complete list of verified technologies, see the EPA's website.

If your school district doesn't yet have the resources to make big changes, you can still cut your emissions by reducing idling outside of schools and motivating others to do the same. Turn off the car or put it on standby when waiting to pick up or drop off children, and encourage kids to walk or ride bikes whenever possible (if you're concerned about safety, talk to other parents in the neighborhood about having the kids bike together). You can also work with your school's PTA or PTSA to request a no-idling zone for buses. Airwatch Northwest's Anti-Idling Program has toolkits to help reduce idling in your school, including letters to parents and faculty members and a "No Idle Zone" sign to display in your parking lot.

© The Green Guide, 2008

For More Information on Air Quality: http://www.air-testing.com

Seven Potential Re-sale Problems

By Roselind Hejl, CRS

Your home selection is a very personal and emotional decision, and that is how it should be. You should tap into your emotional knowledge when choosing a home. Your home will be a place where you and your family can enjoy life and feel safe and secure. Many personal factors will influence your decision.

However, at some point in the future you may need to re-sell the home. Most people would like to receive at least 4% annual appreciation on the sales price of their home. Now is the time to look ahead and consider any possible sales objections that you may encounter. The value of your home as an investment is directly related to its marketability. In order for your home to sell at the highest price possible for the market it must avoid re-sale issues.

The issues noted below are not to be thought of as deal killers. The home you have selected may have some defects, yet meet your needs in many important ways. Certainly, no home will be perfect. However, your purchase decision should be supported by a careful evaluation.

Home flippers look for homes with marketing problems such as these. Often priced below market, these homes are perfect for their remodeling solutions. You, too, may think creatively when considering a home. With good design help, many problems can be corrected or mitigated. Here are 7 potential re-sale problems:

1. Lot Problems:

Unusual Easements or Restrictions

If unusual easements or restrictions were not disclosed up front, you may not be aware of them until you see the survey and title work. If you discover these, I suggest that you take a step back, and consider whether you will accept an unusual easement or restriction on your use of the property. Some examples: neighbors may cross the property, major pipelines cross property, or pets are prohibited.

Very Small Yard

If a home has much less yard area than others in the neighborhood, buyers tend to eliminate this choice. A steep slope may make the grounds difficult to use and maintain. Yards that have been terraced or landscaped may be exceptions. Compare your property to the yards offered by competing homes.

Commercial View

Homes in suburban areas that view office buildings or retail centers are less attractive to buyers. Buyers choose suburban neighborhoods for their concentration of single family homes, separated from commercial areas. This may not be a problem in more urban areas.

Flag Lot

These are lots with a long narrow strip leading to the area where the house is placed. Your home will have almost no street frontage, and there may be a building in front of your home. A flag lot in a country setting with a long driveway leading to a large tract may be an exception to the rule. In a subdivision of homes with road frontage, buyers will avoid this type of lot.

2. Common Objections:

High Tension Wires

The general reaction by buyers to high tension wires crossing near the lot is to simply eliminate the choice.

Steep Driveway

I have shown many buyers who will not get out of the car when the driveway is extra steep.

Busy Street

The noise from a busy street is a turn-off to many buyers. This is more of a problem if the busy street is in front of the house, and includes the visual presence of traffic.

Too Exposed

Most buyers in all neighborhoods want a certain degree of privacy in the back yard. If the building behind your home looks down on your backyard or into your family room, this will be a sales objection. This can be mitigated by trees or screening.

3. Neighborhood Concerns:

Declining Values

If you perceive the neighborhood to be declining, this is a must to avoid. Choose areas that show pride in ownership. However, if you see tear downs and new construction, the neighborhood may be entering a renewal period, and could be a good risk.

Safety or Security Problems

If you sense that there are security problems - drug trafficking, burglaries, or safety problems for your children, take a step back and look at the facts and data on these issues before buying. These kind of problems will turn away buyers fast.

4. Market Issues:

Seasonal or Limited Market

Some homes have a limited market - a vacation area, a primarily student market, or an age restricted subdivision. This may suit your needs, but keep in mind that your re-sale will be limited to these types of buyers.

Remote Location

In most cities, areas that are closer to downtown tend to have a larger buyer pool than homes located in remote areas. However, you may choose to trade the privacy and setting of a country home with the resale potential.

No Comparable Sales

This indicates a possible re-sale problem. The home may be very unusual compared to homes around it, or the market may be slow. Understand the underlying reason for few or no comparable sales.


Extended Marketing Time

Has the home that you are considering been on the market a long time? Was the price simply set too high? Has the market been slow? Or, is there a problem with the house that you will need to correct?

Oversupply of Homes

This is a fundamental re-sale problem. A common source of excess supply is from new homebuilders in the area. Or, sales may be slowed by an economic recession or high interest rates. The oversupply of homes on the market may be a temporary situation.

5. Non-conforming Styles:

Lacks a Typical Amenity

In an area where nearly all homes are on the golf course, or have a pool, or include a garage, buyers will tend to avoid homes that lack these features. In an area of mostly older buyers, a home with the master bedroom upstairs may have trouble selling. Look carefully at what is generally offered in a given area.

Unusual Architecture

Homes that do not fit in to the neighborhood may have trouble selling. For example, the urban modern style may be a good fit in older eclectic areas, but would be hard to sell a uniform suburban neighborhood.

6. Inspection Questions:

Water Drainage Problems

Poor water drainage may be a serious and costly remediation problem. In addition to habitability problems caused by water penetration, excessive changes in the moisture content of soils can cause structural problems. Talk with an expert about improving the drainage around the house, and evaluate any previous damage caused by flooding of the interior or water standing around the house. Be sure that you have all the facts on the table and an improvement plan ready.

Structural Defects

Structural defects have an underlying cause. They may be due to loose fill on the lot, clay soil, drainage issues, or poor construction. It is crucial to know the source of the problem, and the cost to repair, before taking on a house with structural problems.

Inspection Issues

Excessive repairs noted on your inspection report indicate that the house was not maintained or was poorly constructed. Be prepared for some serious work on the house. All exterior sidings, including stucco, should be inspected carefully. An incorrect application may have water damage or mold behind it. A mold infestation may be expensive to remove. Be prepared to document your repairs in order to show a future buyer that the problems have been completely solved. These issues tend to have some stigma attached.

Insurance Claims

It is important to know the facts about a previous insurance claim. If it was due to a fire or flooding problem, you should have full disclosure. Large insurance claims are a red flag, and may result in difficulty in obtaining insurance on the home. Many homes have had repairs covered by insurance, such as hail damage, and these are not a re-sale problem.

7. Improvements - Too Much or Too Little:

Costly Improvements

You may not be able to recoup the cost of certain improvements to your home. Some examples may be imported fixtures, unusual craftsmanship, exotic woods, European appliances, non-native plants, hand decorated walls, etc. If these finishes are similar to locally available materials, they may not have a market value equal to their cost. In general, swimming pools do not contribute the full amount of their cost in the value of the home.

Over Improved

Homes that are over improved for the area, or have excess acreage, often have a difficult time recouping the additional cost. Most people feel safer buying one of the cheaper houses in the neighborhood.

Non Functional Floor Plan

Floor plans that make living in the home difficult will turn away buyers. Excessive level changes, rooms that are out of proportion, poor access to the backyard, low ceilings, few windows, and other layout issues will result in a re-sale problem. This may be an opportunity to take down walls, add windows and doors, and make creative changes to improve the functionality and value of a house. Design skill and a fairly high budget will be necessary.

Out Dated Finishes

Most homes have some outdated finishes - from needing freshening up, to a complete makeover. This is where design skill and perseverance can completely transform a house. If you are new to remodeling, consider your budget carefully. Often the work can get quite extensive and tends to grow as the project develops.

Although your emotional level response is a strong factor in your choice of a home, it is important to step back and evaluate your decision. A better decision is made when all facts are on the table. The quality of your investment as well as your enjoyment of the home is at stake.

The Chronicle, World Sentinel

For More Information: Inspections

Home Flooding Causes Mold Growth

By Bryon Zoucks

Mold is almost certain to be an issue after a residence has endured water damage. This is one of the most hazardous problems that have to be managed after a flood. Mold can be hazardous to our wellbeing. It is filled with displeasing and just plain unsafe microorganisms. Do not go near mold or try to take it away without guarding yourself with protective clothes, gloves, safety glasses, and most of all a great quality face mask. Inhaling the mold spores is really harmful to your lungs. Doing away with and destroying mold is often problematic and at all times potentially unsafe. It is safer to have a trained mold remediation professional get rid of and clean mold infested belongings. If you have to manage it by yourself make sure to train yourself regarding the way as to how to appropriately handle mold.

It is better to avert mold proliferation than to have to deal with it after it has started to grow in a house and on your stuff. Water damage is nearly for sure to be the reason for mold growth There are many ways to head mold off prior to it starting. Air out the room by opening doors and windows to move air if it is less humid outside than indoors the water damaged dwelling. If that isn't accomplishable run an air conditioner or better yet carry in dehumidifiers to bring the moisture out of the air in the interior of the domicile. Run fans to disperse air and assist in the drying procedure. If mold has already begun to develop this can prevent it from creating more of a problem by withdrawing the moisture that allows its breeding.

If you have to handle mold development on your stuff, take them outdoors if at all doable. This will keep mold spores from attaching to additional surfaces in the residence when you brush them with the item you are taking care of. Wearing your mask and protective gear, take an applicator and lightly brush it across the mold infected area removing the mold. Do this until you can't see the growth anymore. Turn on a vacuum with a HEPA system to remove any mold spores that have settled further into the item you are working on. When you are finished with the vacuum remove and seal the vacuum bag. Throw away the bag right away and sanitize the vacuum to put a stop to contact with the toxic mold. Now use a slightly wet cloth and cleaning product and wipe the affected area. Wash the area and use a dry towel to rub the spot until it is dry.

If the area is seriously soiled it can be essential to use a fungicide to destroy the remainder of the mold. Find the correct manufactured good to use on the thing you are working on. Be cautious when using fungal agents as they might be damaging if breathed in or if it comes close with your eye or skin. This should be plenty to rid an item of mold but be sure to check your things several times over the upcoming several months to make sure the mold does not return. If at all doable you really should contract an expert in mold remediation to manage the removal of mold from all of your personal belongings as this will be the best way of dealing with handling it.

Plastics Q & A

by Emily Main

Some of the containers in my kitchen do not have a recycling number on them. How do I know whether these plastics are safe? Why do some companies not put numbers on their products?

The best way to find out is to call the manufacturer. The "resin identification code"—the number that appears in the recycling triangle—isn't actually required by federal law and doesn't appear on every plastic product you buy. It's a voluntary system aimed primarily at helping recycling centers identify and sort various products. Some states require companies to put resin codes on bottles, but they aren't required on products that aren't easy to recycle, such as bowls, dishes, toys or bottle caps.

Do the recycling arrows with the code number on the bottom of plastics apply only to North America or are they international?

The resin identification numbers (we've defined them in our Plastic Containers Buying Guide) are used all over the world. So no matter where you are, you'll know whether you can recycle your plastic bottle or cup.

Which numbers of plastic containers contain bisphenol A (BPA)?

The only kind of plastic food-storage containers that contain BPA are those made with polycarbonate, which is indicated by #7 PC in the recycling triangle on the bottom.

The Brita filter system we use is a plastic carafe style, which does not indicate what type of plastic it is. Do I assume that it is made with the number 7 plastic and may leach BPA into the water?

Brita pitchers, according to a customer representative at the company, are not made from polycarbonate plastics and therefore don't contain BPA. The pitchers are made with either NAS (a styrene-based plastic with a very long chemical name) or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN). Brita has had its pitchers independently tested by the National Sanitation Foundation to ensure that they don't leach styrene, a probable human carcinogen, and the FDA has also tested these resins and found them to be leach-free. Read more about Brita pitchers here.

I was wondering about the safety of cooking food in Ziploc Zip 'n Steam bags and in Birds Eye, Green Giant, and other manufacturers' plastic containers. Is this a plastic that is not safe or can put off poisons in our food when it is cooked?

In general, it's not a good idea to cook any type of food in plastic, regardless of what type of plastic it is. Heat speeds the deterioration of plastic, potentially causing it to release chemicals, hazardous or not, into food (likely, those chemicals aren't poisonous). In situations like this, we like to adopt the precautionary principle and use only glass or ceramic containers in the microwave or steam vegetables in a pot over the stove rather than in a plastic bag.

Is it safe to reuse #4 food storage bags? We have been washing them with warm water and soap and reusing them in order to reduce waste.

It's safe to reuse them until they start to get cloudy. Cloudiness is a sign of deterioration, and even though #4 plastics aren't known to contain any hazardous chemicals, deteriorated plastic bags may transmit chemicals with unknown side effects into your food. They also start to absorb odors and flavors that make your food less tasty.

In the past I have reused typical bottled water containers to take to the spa every day, freezing them to have cold water. Now I've read this is not a good thing. Is that because water is sitting in the bottle for long periods?

The main reason we recommend against this has to do with bacterial contamination. The #1 polyethylene plastic used in these bottles is porous, and these bottles absorb flavors and bacteria that you can't get rid of. There is also a concern of the heavy metal antimony, which can trigger diarrhea and upset stomachs, leaching out of #1 bottles after they've been used for a very long time (usually more than
six months).

I want to replace my reusable plastic bottle with a stainless steel Klean Kanteen. However, I found this product is produced in China. Are you aware of this, and if so, is it a concern? If quality control is lacking, this small factory may use low-grade stainless steel exposing nickel and possibly lead.

There's no need to worry about stainless steel made in China. Lead contamination isn't a concern with stainless steel, regardless of where it's made, because stainless steel contains steel, chromium and nickel only—no lead. To ensure product safety, Klean Kanteen tests shipments of its bottles every three months to make sure they're free of nickel (which may trigger allergic reactions), chromium (high levels of which can cause kidney or liver damage) and manganese (linked to nervous-system problems). Manganese isn't usually found in the kind of stainless steel Klean Kanteen uses, but it is used in other types, so their tests for it are mainly precautionary.

I understand that the plastic water bottles in stores leach a carcinogen.Based on current science, the plastic water bottles, soda and juice bottles, and milk jugs on store shelves don't contain any cancer-causing chemicals. There have been some reports in the media that bisphenol A (or BPA), the chemical used to make olycarbonate water bottles and water-cooler jugs, causes cancer, but so far, there's no scientific evidence to support that. BPA does, however, interfere with hormones. A just-released study found that it suppresses levels of the hormone needed to protect people from heart attacks and Type II diabetes—so drink your water from the tap, not a water cooler or polycarbonate bottle. I use 4-gallon plastic water bottles for my standing refrigerated water cooler. On the bottom of the bottle there is a triangle with a # 3 in it. Is it okay to use these?

Without sounding like an alarmist, replace these bottles post haste! The #3 indicates that the bottle is made with polyvinyl chloride, which can leach hormone-disrupting phthalates and possibly lead into your water.Plastic bags are everywhere—it's not just shopping bags, but the bags my organic lettuce comes in, my string cheese, and on and on! I can only find a place that recycles #2 and #4 bags, along with dry-cleaning and newspaper bags. There are so many other plastic bags out there and it makes me sick to have to throw them out. Is there another option?


Thanks to growing concern about the environmental ills wrought by errant plastic bags, many cities are banning them or, at the very least, requiring stores to recycle them—but usually those requirements pertain to shopping bags, not all the other plastic films used to package our products. You can recycle various types of plastic bags and wraps at Whole Foods Markets and a growing number of national chain stores. But be aware that just like your curbside recycling program, these ollections are limited by what they can recycle regionally. Call the store ahead of time to see which types of plastic bags, wraps and films they accept; some take frozen-vegetable bags and cling wraps as well as plastic produce and grocery bags, while others only take grocery bags. When you do take your stuff in to be recycled, just make sure it's clean and dry, or it could ruin an entire bin's worth of recyclable materials.


© 2008 The Green Guide Institute

Raw Milk - Should it be Banned or Should We Drink Up?

By Terrie Bryan

Raw milk benefits are astounding, and more and more people are clamoring to purchase. Find out more information and learn about all of the amazing health benefits of raw milk plus lots more information and facts at www.rawmilktruth.com There is a slowly increasing campaign across the United States, a campaign to find and drink raw milk straight from the cow just as our ancestors did for hundreds of years. People are willing to risk illness and death (so says the FDA) to find this elixir. Demand is booming in a huge way.

Drinkers of this milk praise it for being more healthy and nutritious as well as simply tasting better than its pasteurized and homogenized counterpart. Some drink it strictly for the health benefits, while some simply enjoy the creamy fresh taste. Whatever their reason, many people have jumped on the bandwagon and are clamoring for states to make it legal to buy and sell. Currently it varies from state to state, but few states allow the sale of raw milk to humans, while more allow it to be sold for animal consumption only. At the time of this writing, only 8 states allow sales in stores. Still others ban sales entirely, forcing people who wish to buy to go "underground" in order to purchase.

Other ways people get around the varying laws are to buy a share in a cow and then simply pay a portion of the upkeep of the cow. Since they then technically are part owner of the cow, they may legally drink the milk. But why make everyone jump through hoops like this? The accepted public health wisdom is this milk is a dangerous source of bacteria, but what is not said is that if it is obtained from a healthy grass-fed cow, the risk is no more than consuming, say, a tomato from your
local grocery store. It may be less risky, as a matter of fact. Studies have shown that children who drink raw milk have lower rates of llergies and asthma.

Once people begin to drink real milk and start to experience the huge health benefits, there's just no going back. The flavor is rich and complex, and the health advantages abound. Those who were lactose intolerant often find they have no problems, digestive issues clear up, energy increases, immune systems strengthen, and people feel overall better. Persons with such things as Crohn's disease have come forward with testimonials on how unpasteurized milk has alleviated their symptoms completely. Some doctors have praised it as one of the healthiest foods you can consume.

What makes raw milk better? Pasteurization, the process where the milk is heated, kills the beneficial bacteria, healthy enzymes, and proteins. Once these are gone you are drinking "dead" liquid and it is of no benefit, and might actually cause more harm than do any good to those who drink it.

The growing number of advocates of unpasteurized milk simply ask that they be allowed the make their own choices of what foods they will consume.

Raw milk benefits are astounding, and more and more people are clamoring to purchase. Find out more information and learn about all of the amazing health benefits of raw milk plus lots more information and facts at www.rawmilktruth.com

For more information about allergies search Google or Yahoo.

Florida governor to survey damage from Fay

(CNN) -- Florida Gov. Charlie Crist warned Sunday that more flooding could be on the way in parts of the state already hard-hit by Tropical Storm Fay, now a tropical depression.

Saquin Scott watches a crew remove a tree that just missed his home Saturday in Gadsden County, Florida.

1 of 3 more photos » Crist told reporters he would take an aerial tour Sunday of the areas that took the worst of the storm.

Also Sunday, President Bush declared a "major disaster" area in Florida, making the counties of Brevard, Monroe, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie eligible for federal funds.

Fay, the tropical storm that wouldn't go away, has weakened to a tropical depression, but forecasters warn it could still drop up to a foot of rain along its path over northwest Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Fay was marching west-northwestward at 10 mph Sunday morning, and forecasters warned that the storm could spawn isolated tornadoes Sunday in the Florida Panhandle, western Georgia and Alabama. Watch trapped residents get rescued »

Fay, which sprang to life eight days ago over the Dominican Republic, caused flooding and at least 10 deaths in Haiti before sweeping over Cuba, the Florida Keys and onto the Florida peninsula.

The storm spent several days circling the central and upper coast of Florida with heavy rain and severe flooding before beginning its current westward track.

Fay is blamed for 11 Florida deaths.

Another storm-related death was reported in Cairo, Georgia -- about 35 miles north of Tallahassee -- when a teenager playing near a drainage area was swept away in rising waters, the National Weather Service reported.

Fay's disorganized center was about 60 miles east-northeast of Mobile, Alabama, and about 30 miles north-northeast of Pensacola, Florida, the hurricane center advisory said.

Radar measured Fay's top sustained winds at about 35 mph late Saturday, and it is expected to gradually weaken over the next two days, the center said.

"Fay is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches across the extreme western portion of the northern Florida Peninsula, the Florida Panhandle, southwestern Georgia, the southern and central portions of Mississippi and Alabama and eastern Louisiana," the hurricane center said.

It also said some areas could get as much as 20 inches of rain.

While all tropical storm warnings and watches have ended, emergency officials along the Gulf Coast are braced.

In New Orleans, a famously low-lying city, the Army Corps of Engineers said its canal flood-watch teams have been activated as a precaution.

In anticipation of the storm's westward movement, teams will "mobilize to their duty stations 8 a.m. Sunday, and monitor canals and levees in the city," the Corps said in a written statement Saturday.

Col. Alvin Lee, New Orleans District commander, said the actions were "precautionary measures for the safety of the public."

"However, we are prepared to close the gates and run the pumps should the need arise," he said.

The Corps took responsibility after Hurricane Katrina flooded most of New Orleans in 2005 for not having built sufficient levees against flooding.

The National Hurricane Center said isolated areas of eastern Louisiana could have up to 20 inches of rain.

Mobile County, Alabama, opened five shelters and called in swift-water rescue teams in anticipation of flooding, said Steve Huffman, spokesman for the county's emergency management agency.

"The storm is actually weakening. That's not to say we're not going to have rain," Huffman told CNN. "We're still expecting some flooding because of this. We've got everything on standby -- hopefully it won't come to that.

For More Information on Mold

Fight over Radon in Granite Countertops Heats Up

Written by Joel Bittle

The Marble Institute of America better get ready for another round of fighting because the issue of radon in granite countertops is back. For the past decade, the MIA has been trying, with much success, to squash the rumor that granite countertops have the potential to add dangerous amounts of radon in the home. A new study being conducted by Houston area not-for-profit BuildClean is raising old fears about the dangers of granite countertops, and its preliminary results show that while most granite countertops in the study contain very little to no radon at all, the countertops that do contain radon have levels that are frighteningly high. While consumers can be secure in the fact that the vast majority of granite is perfectly safe, a small percentage is still in question, and no independent scientific study exists to assuage consumer fears.

The first issue of Solid Surface in 1995 explored the possibility that granite countertops may pose a health risk. Soon, the MIA issued their response, which attacked the credibility of the science involved in the study as well as the fact that the advertisers in the journal included companies that competed with granite countertop manufacturers. But one phrase in the response, a highlighted phrase no less, is troubling: “…actual levels of radon gas emmissions are so low as to be insignificant and generally represent no threat.” As a father, I don’t want to be assured that there is “generally” no threat to my family. I want to know there is no threat. And after BuildClean* found that 3 of 95 granite countertops contained harmful amounts of radon, would the MIA consider such a small number to be “generally” no threat? I’m sure the owners of those three countertops are not reassured.

(*Correction: BuildClean did not find that 3 of 95 countertops contained harmful amounts of radon. Rather, the results are from a study by Dr. William Llope, a Rice University Physicist, who is not associated with either BuildClean or the MIA. His comments can be found on the third page of comments below.)

Look around for information on radon in granite and you will find many sites telling you the “truth” or uncovering “myths” about radon. Since many of the statistics cited are the same, it’s clear that much of the information comes from the MIA response linked above or from an updated (though with the same references) MIA PDF. My personal favorite was a site titled “Ask an Expert - 9 Myths about Granite” where they claim that “No one today takes credit for starting the rumor, and certainly no one supports it.” No one? They then make the claim that granite actually has healing properties. Most troubling is the fact that, as experts, they don’t seem to know that “lose” is spelled with only one “o.” The most common argument you’ll find, that radon occurs naturally, really needs to be taken out of their playbook. Just because it’s on the periodic table of the elements doesn’t mean I want it in my house. I’m talking to you, Californium.

In late 2007, the MIA scuffled with Home Safety Systems, which sells radon detectors. Like the fight over the original journal article, this seems to be another example of competing companies arguing science, which doesn’t sit right with me. The current BuildClean study is funded in part by Silestone and Cambria, two competitors of granite countertops. (Ironically, Silestone is a sponsor of the “Ask the Experts” article above - their logo is at the bottom of the page.)

So how do we start trusting that granite is safe? An independent study done by the EPA would be a good start. Leave corporate interests out of it. And don’t give us general findings - tell us exactly what was found. Since radon is found naturally in some parts of the earth, the MIA needs to admit that there is a possibility that some granite will contain radon, and then show how they are making sure such slabs do not make their way into our homes. Are granite countertops screened for radon before reaching the consumer? (Maybe the folks over at Home Safety Systems can help the MIA out with that.) Otherwise, without solid assurances, it won’t be long until consumers reject granite outright.

For information on green alternatives to granite, try Green Counter Culture.

For information on Radon: Go to www.safe-homes.com

Tips for after the storm

In the wake of the Tropical Storm Fay, homeowners are often faced with another potential disaster: Unscrupulous storm-chasing contractors with promises to help consumers quickly repair the damage for cash up-front. More often than not, these contractors pocket the money, perform shoddy, little, or no work and disappear.

Angie’s List (http://www.angieslist.com), an online provider of local service company rating has tips to help homeowners find the reliable, quality help they need.

“The last thing consumers affected by a tropical storm need is another thing to worry about,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks. “If a person you don’t know comes to your door promising to help if you’ll just pay in cash, just say ‘no.’ With just a little research, you can find a reliable person who will get you back on the feet and keep you there.”

To avoid shady storm chasers:

• What not to do: If a stranger comes to your storm-ravaged yard offering to repair your roof, remove trees or do other major repair work for cash upfront, just say no. Chances are, he or she will take your money and disappear, leaving you with little or no recourse.

• Do your research: Check the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage. Remember that you have few options if the job goes awry or the provider disappears.

• Quality is worth the wait: When massive storms hit, tree services, plumbers, roofers and hauling companies are in high demand and the best performers are generally the busiest. Beware the company with time on its hands when every other similar company can’t even answer the phones.

• Get estimates: Though your situation might seem to be one of desperation, avoid settling on the first contractor who comes along and offers to do the job. Take enough time to get at least a few different estimates on the job.

• Document important information: The same holds true for the old adage to “get it in writing,” including the price, materials to be used and the timeline for completing the job. This is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.

For homeowners with water damage, cleaning up the mud and water-soaked belongings can seem like the biggest task at hand. But drying out that area is equally important because if left damp too long, dangerous mold can grow.

If the mold growth is small, you can clean and kill it with these steps.

Damp wipe: Mold can generally be removed from hard surfaces by scrubbing with water and detergent. It is important to dry the surface quickly.

Wear protective gear: Protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles.

Discard: Remove damaged materials and seal in plastic bags.

Follow up: Revisit the site. It should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.

Wide spread mold growth may require professional assistance. Angie advises following these tips when choosing a professional for remediation projects:

Testing for mold: To ensure you’ve taken care of any mold issue or to determine if you have unseen mold, hire a professional remediator. If you’re hiring out the cleanup, test the area both before and after clean up.

Understand the process: Know what the company plans for the remediation. Ask what is going to happen, when it will happen and how it may affect you. Ask about containment. How will they prevent the movement of mold spores from one area of the home to another? How long will it take?

Check references & get estimates: Ask your provider for references and call those people.

Certification: Mold remediators should follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mold remediation guidelines. You can also check the National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP).

Check your insurance: Not all mold damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Check your policy because coverage and limitations vary.

Copyright © 2008 Beaches Leader and Ponte Vedra Leader

For a free report on Mold Remediation by the EPA: www.safe-homes.com

Granite Countertops a Recipe for Danger?

Granite Countertops a Recipe for Danger?
Debate Heats Up About Radon Risks

By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

July 30, 2008 — They are beautiful and durable, but do those pricey granite kitchen countertops so popular with home builders and renovators also pose a health risk?

Some researchers say they might, but a group representing the granite industry counters that those claims are “alarmist” and that their studies are little more than “junk science.”

At issue is whether some granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation, especially the gas radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Experts agree that most granite countertops emit some radon and even other types of radiation. The question is whether they do so at levels that can impact cancer risk.

New York State Health Department research scientist Michael Kitto, PhD, says only a small fraction of the granite samples he has tested have emitted radon at levels that were over those considered safe.

But he added that a few of his samples showed levels that were high enough to alarm him.

“I wouldn't have them in my house,” Kitto tells WebMD.

Countertop Concerns Not New
Concerns about the safety of granite kitchen countertops are not new.

“The countertop story emerges every 10 years or so,” Columbia University Center for Radiological Research Director David J. Brenner, PhD, tells WebMD. “This is about the third time I remember it coming around.”

The concerns were fueled by a New York Times story last Thursday examining the issue.

The story mentioned the research of Rice University physics professor William Llope, PhD, which found potentially dangerous levels of radiation in some tested samples of granite used in countertops.

In response to the Times article, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) issued a statement on its web site asserting that the Environmental Protection Agency agreed with the industry claim that studies like Llope's represented “junk science.”

Under the headline “EPA Confirms that Granite Countertops Pose No Significant Health Risk, Undercutting ‘Junk Science' Fear Mongering,” the article claims that the EPA issued a statement on Friday saying as much.

While confirming that a Q&A on the EPA web site addressing the radon and countertop issue was changed late last week, EPA spokesman Dave Ryan refused to discuss the institute's claim in an interview with WebMD.

“I will not comment on anything that they are saying,” he said. “All I will say is that our position is on the web site.”

That position, as of early this week, was much more nuanced than the institute claims, noting that “some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels.”

“At this time, however, EPA does not believe sufficient data exist to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels,” the statement reads.

In response to the question, “Are the levels of radon in granite dangerous to humans or animals?” the EPA states, “While radon levels attributable to granite are not typically high, there are simply too many variables to generalize about the potential health risks inside a particular home that has granite countertops.”

Little Cause for Alarm, Expert Says
Columbia's Brenner believes it is highly unlikely that granite countertops emit enough radon to pose a health risk because they cover such a small area.

“The biggest source of radiation within the home is indeed radon,” he says. “But it is not radon from countertops, it's radon from the ground.”

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, colorless radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. All agree that the biggest risk to homeowners is radon seeping into homes from the ground.

Most people living in areas with high radon concentrations, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York, are very aware of the potential risk, Brenner says.

“You can't get a mortgage in New Jersey without having a radon test,” he says. “If radon is above a certain level, you have to take action.”

The risk from radon comes from breathing it into your lungs, and Brenner says any radon coming from granite countertops would quickly diffuse into the air.

“Even a countertop that is ten or a hundred times higher than average is going to constitute a minimal contribution of radon.”

Others Believe Fears Are Justified
But Rice University's Llope is not so sure.

Llope tells WebMD that he began testing granite samples “on his own time” after seeing a story about granite countertops and radon on a Houston news program.

He tests for gamma radiation emission using a special spectrometer.

In a recently published review of radon tests conducted by others, Llope reported that 92 of 95 granite samples tested emitted no radon or very little radon. Two samples emitted levels that were elevated but still considered safe, and one emitted levels slightly above what is considered cause for concern by EPA.

Like Kitto, Llope has found elevated levels in a very small number of the granite samples he has personally tested.

But he tells WebMD that if even a tiny percentage of the granite used to make countertops emits unsafe levels of radon or other radiation, that could represent a danger in thousands of homes.

“Granite has gotten so popular so quickly that it is now coming from all over the world,” he says. “It would come as no surprise that granite that comes from areas with uranium mines close by might pose a problem. But the testing hasn't been done.”

More Granite Testing Needed
According to Marble Institute of America spokesman Jim Martinez, 2,000 different stones from quarries around the world are sold as granite in the United States.

At most, only a tiny percentage of them have been tested for radon or radiation levels, but a recent test of 13 types of granite typically used for countertops found no radon or very low levels of radon.

The test was paid for by the MIA, and the samples represented 85% of the granite used for kitchen countertops in the United States, Martinez says.

He says that the MIA-funded research represents the only “real” science examining the issue, because no one else has been willing to pay for quality studies.

“(Our) studies have consistently shown that granite poses no heath risk,” he says.

But Kitto says there is no way to know if all granite countertops are safe because so few samples have been tested.

“Right now, it is impossible to understand the scope of the problem or even if there is a problem,” he says.

Llope agrees that more samples need to be tested.

“The industry says there is no danger, but how can they make that leap of faith when granite is coming from all over the world and only a small percentage has been tested?” he says. “How can they possibly know?”

Test for Radon, Experts Say
The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon in indoor air, and the researchers contacted by WebMD agreed that testing could provide peace of mind to homeowners worried about the safety of their granite countertops.

Recommendations for using do-it-yourself radon testing kits, which can be purchased at hardware stores and online, include:

Place one test in the basement or lowest area in the home to determine if radon is coming from the ground.
Place another test in a bedroom to establish a background radon level.
Place one or two tests in the kitchen, with one nearby the granite surface and the other farther away.
“The home kits test for radon, not (other) radiation; but if the findings are negative you can assume you don't have a radiation problem,” Llope says. “If the results come back positive, you should probably have the house tested professionally.”

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists lists the names of qualified professionals who conduct radon and radiation testing on its web site, www.aarst.org.

SOURCES: EPA: “What about Granite Countertops?” revised July 29, 2008. David J. Brenner, PhD, professor of radiation oncology and public health; director, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York. Michael Kitto, PhD, research scientist, New York State Department of Health. William J. Llope, PhD, research associate professor of physics, senior faculty fellow, T.W. Bonner Nuclear Laboratory, Rice University, Houston. David Ryan, spokesman, Environmental Protection Agency. Jim Martinez, spokesman, Marble Institute of America. “What's Lurking in Your Countertops,” New York Times, July 24, 2008. EPA web site: "A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon."

©2008 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

For more information on Radon: www.safe-homes.com