How Lead, Mold, & Asbestos In Your Home Can Cause Health Problems
The presence of lead, mold, and asbestos in your home can cause a wide range of serious health problems for you and your family. Because these hazards are either hard to spot or totally invisible, many homeowners forget to be cautious about them until adverse symptoms begin to arise. These hazardous materials lower the air quality in your home and can lead to things like lead poisoning, mesothelioma, allergy attacks, and much more! In this article, we’ll dive deeper into each of these hazardous materials and talk about the health problems they can cause if they are present in your home!
Lead Paint
Lead was once a component used in paint in households across the country & world. Lead paint was used because it dries quickly, is durable, and is moisture resistant. However, studies began to show that lead paint was causing lead poisoning in children & adults alike, and was therefore banned in 1978. The problem is that many homes still contain lead paint today, 40+ years after the hazardous material was outlawed. Lead poisoning is particularly dangerous for children who are still developing physically & mentally! When lead poisoning occurs in children, it can slow brain development, weaken their immune system, and put them at higher risk for having a disability. If you believe your home contains lead paint, you should contact a professional testing company like DCM Environmental today!
Mold
Mold is a fungal growth that grows in homes in damp places like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and in drywall. Once mold is present in your home, mold spores can become airborne. These airborne spores can enter your body through inhalation or swallowing, leading to several different health effects. Some of the symptoms of mold exposure include wheezing, congestion, itching, coughing, etc. People who are highly sensitive to mold can also experience allergy attacks, and those with asthma can suffer mold-induced asthma attacks. If you or someone in your home is experiencing these symptoms, you should have your home professionally tested for mold!
Asbestos
Asbestos was used until the 1970s during the construction of homes and buildings in concrete, bricks, fireplaces, cement, pipes, insulation, and many other places. The material was then found to have harmful health effects when its fibers entered the human body. Asbestos exposure can cause several serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other forms of cancer. The only conclusive way to determine whether or not your home contains asbestos is by having a licensed professional perform a test in your house!
Contact DCM Environmental Testing!
If you believe your home may contain lead paint, mold, or asbestos, it's crucial to test for these hazardous materials as soon as possible. At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing for lead, mold, and asbestos! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation! Call us at (617) 481-5782 or fill out the contact form on our website!
