Environmental Health - Air Quality

Keep it Dry

There probably isnt a hotter issue right now within the subject of indoor air quality than mold. Our office receives frequent phone calls concerning mold and its health effects. Molds can primary cause respiratory health problems such as allergies, inflammation, and infections. Coughing sneezing, eye irritations, sore throat, skin rashes, and shortness of breath are some of the symptoms. Mold is a known irritant for asthma. While much of the media attention has been focused on stachybotrys or the black mold, any excess mold, no matter the color, can cause problems. Although mold is not regulated by the county or state, we can often provide guidance and advice on how to deal with a possible mold problem in your home. If you live inside city limits, check with your building inspector to see if there are any local codes that can address the cause of the problem. Excess moisture in a home can cause mold and other bacteria to grow. Prevent moisture from entering your home by checking for leaks in plumbing and roof and poor drainage of rainwater.

CDC Environmental Health

EPA Indoor Air Quality website

DHSS Mold website

Keep it Clean

Control of dust and other contaminants is essential to a healthy home. Dust can contain lead and other particles that can harm a child. Keeping pets indoors can impact members of your household. To reduce pet dander and particulate, wash and groom your pets regularly. When possible keep them outdoors. Routine vacuuming with a high efficiency vacuum bag or filter is also good for reducing dust, dust mites, and their by-products. Wet dust and wet mop regularly to "keep it clean".

Keep it Contaminant Free

Families living in homes built before 1978 are at risk for lead poisoning from deteriorating surface coatings and other hazards. If you live in a pre-1978 house, remember to wet mop and wet dust regularly, and fix any deteriorating paint in your home. Common sources of lead poisoning include paint, soil, hobbies, occupations, water and folk remedies. Make sure you follow lead safe work practices when cleaning or remodeling. Lead can cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under at are the highest risk.

DHSS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention website

Your home may also contain high levels of radon. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it. However, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is a radioactive gas formed as a result of natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. Every home should be tested for radon especially if you have a basement. Protect yourself by testing your home for radon today. Free radon test kits are available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Contact us for information on how to obtain a testing kit.

DHSS Radon website

Did you know that 11% of children age 6 and under are exposed to second hand smoke in their homes or cars on a regular basis? (EPA) Secondhand smoke is a mixture of smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke exhaled by the smokers. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, several of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke because they are still developing physically, and have higher breathing rates than adults. This makes them more susceptible to the damaging health effects secondhand smoke can cause such as asthma, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), pneumonia and bronchitis, as well as ear infections. Always remember not to allow smoking inside your home or car.

EPA Smoke-Free Homes and Cars Program website