Video: Hidden Toxins In Your Home – What You Need To Know
Suffering from allergies, headaches, fatigue, or cold and flu like symptoms? It may actually be indoor air pollution, or an environmental toxin. Most environmental toxins are hidden from sight. RTK Environmental investigates a Connecticut home and finds hidden mold in an HVAC unit, and gives advice on other places toxins, like lead and asbestos, can hide.
What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Approximately 90% of indoor air quality issues are caused by high levels of VOCs and unhealthy levels of mold spores. VOCs and other toxic fumes can be found in carpeting, paints, solvents, electronics, cleaning products, air fresheners, candles, pesticides, nicotine, glue, home furnishings, building materials, and more. Mold can hide just about anywhere.
When Are Lead Paint and Asbestos Dangerous?
Lead paint and asbestos are the most dangerous when they are disturbed. If lead or asbestos is properly contained, they generally don’t pose a serious risk. But the minute they start to deteriorate, whether through wear and tear, renovations or remediation, they are a serious health hazard.
What Are The Symptoms of Lead Poisoning?
People who appear healthy may have elevated blood lead levels, which can lead to lifelong problems. Lead poisoning can cause serious, irreversible damage, including: brain damage, ADD and ADHD, aggressive behavior and tendencies for violence, damage to the nervous system, impaired growth, PICA, and in extreme cases, coma or even death.
Lead Exposure Symptoms Include:
– Irritability and mood disorders;
– Learning difficulties;
– Weight loss and loss of appetite;
– Abdominal pain;
– Constipation;
– Vomiting;
– Headaches;
– Sluggishness and fatigue;
– Seizures;
– Pain, numbness and/or tingling of the extremities;
– Muscle and joint pain;
– Memory loss;
– High blood pressure;
– Decline in mental acuity;
– Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm;
What Are the Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other serious respiratory ailments. Asbestosis and asbestos-related illnesses takes years to develop, and can be deadly.
Asbestos Exposure Symptoms Include:
– Tightness in your chest;
– Chest pain;
– Persistent dry cough;
– Finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips);
– Appetite loss;
– Nail deformities.
– Shortness of breath.
If you think you may have hidden toxins in your home, call RTK today to schedule a test.
