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Mold & Radon

Steve Wessler
Certified Home Inspector
Certified Mold Inspector, Radon Testing
State Certified Septic, Lagoon and Water Inspector
573-746-1881
Phone answered 7am to 9pm
Seven days a week
steve@spyglassinspect.com

Air Quality In The Home

 

Signs of indoor air quality problems include:
 
  • Unusual and noticeable musty odors.
  • Stale or stuffy air.
  • Dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment.
  • Excessive humidity (above 60%)
  • Presence of molds and mildew.
  • Feeling noticeably healthier outside.


    Biological pollutants such as molds and fungus from:


    Carpet
    Problem: Biological pollutants can grow on water-damaged carpet.
    Remedy: Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether.

    Furnace/Ductwork
    Problem: Humidifer Moisture can encourage biological pollutants, including allergens such as mold and mildew. General maintenance can help catch potential concerns.
    Remedy: Check to be sure humidifer is operating properly. Furnace and duct work kept clean to help with pollutants and air quality .

    Air conditioner
    Problem: This can be a source of biological allergens.
    Remedy: If there is a water tray, empty and clean it often. Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filter.

    Moisture
    Problem: Moisture encourages biological allergens like mold and mildew.
    Remedy: Inspect for condensation on walls, standing water on the floor, or sewage leaks. To keep basement dry, prevent outside water from entering by installing roof gutters and downspouts, not watering close to the foundation, grading soil away from the home, and applying waterproofing sealants to basement interior walls.

     

    Cancer-causing, radioactive gas

    Radon
    You cannot see radon. And you cannot smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. That is because when you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

    Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.
    If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix the problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. If you are selling a home... EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels. Save the test results and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems. This could be a positive selling point.

    If you are buying a home... EPA recommends that you obtain the indoor radon level in a home you are considering buying. Ask the seller for radon test results. If the home has a radon reduction system, ask the seller for information about the system. If the home has not yet been tested, EPA recommends that you have it tested, prior to the purchase. If you are buying a newly-constructed home, EPA recommends that you have it tested.

    The radon testing guidelines in the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" have been developed specifically to deal with the time sensitive nature of home purchases and sales and the potential for radon device interference. The EPA publication the "Home Buyer's Guide" recommends two short-term testing options when long-term testing is not possible. The "Home Buyer's Guide" also recommends testing a home in the lowest level of the home which is currently suitable for occupancy. This is because a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that used by the seller.
    Call today for Your Mold or Radon Testing.

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    Lake of the Ozarks Homes Inspector Chat

    Home & Commercial Property Inspections,
    Radon Testing,
    Mold Inspections & Testing,
    Indoor Air Quality Testing
    State Septic and Lagoon Inspections,
    Well Water Testing
    in the following cities.


    Home Inspection Cities

    Jefferson City, California MO.,
    Eldon, Tuscumbia, Rocky Mount,
    Osage Beach, Kaiser, Brumley, 
         Versailles, Laurie, Stover,  
    Camdenton, Linn Creek, 
    Lake Ozark - (Four Seasons),
    Sunrise Beach - (Porta Cima),
    Climax Springs, Edwards Mo. 
    and surrounding areas in (13) Counties.

     Services provided in the following Counties:
    Benton, Cole, Camden, Dallas, Hickory, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Morgan, Monteau, Pettis, Osage & Pulaski County