The coronavirus pandemic has made people much more aware of our health—and threats to our health—than ever before. At the same time, most people are spending much more time at home than before; telecommuting, distance learning, and avoiding risky activities like dining out, going to the gym, shopping, or socializing. While it’s important to stay in and reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, there may be hidden dangers lurking in your home that pose a serious threat to you and your family. We’re talking about mold and asbestos, two common indoor pollutants that can have a very negative effect on your health.
The Dangers of Indoor Pollutants
There are many factors that can impact indoor air quality, like formaldehyde off-gassed by particle board used in construction, or radon gas entering homes through cracks in the basement. While mold and mildew may not sound as bad as some of these other indoor pollutants, they are widely found in Atlanta homes and can cause real harm to your health. Asbestos, on the other hand, is widely known to be a dangerous carcinogen, but what many homeowners don’t know is just how commonly it can be found in Atlanta homes built before 1990.
Health Hazards of Mold Exposure
The health hazards of mold in your home include:
- Eye, nose, and/or throat irritation
- Coughing and wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Skin irritation
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Decreased cognitive function
- Numbness
- Muscle cramps
- Lethargy
Health Hazards of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is known to cause a range of terrible health issues, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
Is Your Home Safe from Indoor Pollutants?
Atlanta’s humid climate makes homes here particularly vulnerable to mold and mildew, especially when it comes to older buildings or buildings that do not have proper humidity control. Bathrooms and kitchens are the riskiest areas, and even with vents and fans can still present a perfect environment for mold to grow. Even more alarming, mold can grow undetected in HVAC ducts and behind walls.
Homes in Atlanta are also very likely to contain asbestos if built prior to 1990, and it’s not just found in the attic. While blown-in insulation is one of the more well-known concerns, asbestos can also be found in vinyl flooring and linoleum, construction adhesives, plaster, siding, corrugated panels, paint, and roofing shingles.
Unfortunately, both mold and asbestos can be present, even if you don’t see them. So how can you tell if your home is suffering from indoor air pollution? That’s where we come in.
At Clean Environmental Group, we provide mold and asbestos testing in Atlanta that can give you peace of mind or alert you to problems that need to be addressed. Knowledge is power, so don’t wait to have air quality testing performed on your home. Contact us for a free environmental abatement estimate and take your home and health into your own hands.