Radon is a Class A carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon comes from the radioactive breakdown of naturally occurring radium found in most soils. As a gas in the soil, it enters homes through small openings in the foundation. Since your home can hold the radon similarly to smoke trapped under a glass, indoor radon concentrations can increase to many times that of outdoor levels.
Testing for radon levels in your home is simple and non invasive. Get your home tested and know if your home has elevated levels of radon.
Another way to judge whether your home has or could develop indoor air problems is to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution. Although the presence of such sources does not necessarily mean that you have an indoor air quality problem, being aware of the type and number of potential sources is an important step toward assessing the air quality in your home.
The Air-O-Cell(r) is a unique air sampling cassette specifically designed for the rapid collection of a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores, pollen, insect parts, skin cell fragments, fibers (e.g. asbestos, fiberglass, cellulose, clothing fibers, etc.) and inorganic particulate e.g. ceramic, fly ash, copy toner, etc.). The Air-O-Cell(r) collects both viable and non-viable sample specimens, providing a much broader overview of potential allergens contaminants than conventional sampling techniques.
Environmental screening of the home or work environment is important for individuals with perennial allergies. In keeping with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) 1997 recommendations, it is desirable to remove common allergens and modify the home or office to reduce the level of ubiquitous allergens. House dust, which may contain house dust mites, animal dander, hair or excrement, cockroach detritus, molds and other allergens, is a cause of asthma, rhinitis/sinusitis, and probably atopic dermatitis in allergic people.