FAST FACTS

Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen. Asbestos exposure may cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos poses the greatest danger when it becomes airborne. Demolishing, repairing, or just disturbing suspect materials may cause the asbestos fibers to dislodge and release into the air. Asbestos can’t be seen with the naked eye so its discovery can only be determined through laboratory testing.

Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning for children and can also affect adults. In children, lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and can impair mental functioning. It can retard mental and physical development and reduce attention span. It can also retard fetal development even at extremely low levels of lead. In adults, it can cause irritability, poor muscle coordination, and nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body. Lead poisoning may also cause problems with reproduction (such as a decreased sperm count). It may also increase blood pressure. Thus, young children, fetuses, infants, and adults with high blood pressure are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead.

Mold exists in two forms. The first form is the mycelial stage. This is when it is in the growing phase. This is the easiest time to destroy fungi. The second is the dormant stage, and this is when the fungus is putting off spores and mycotoxins. It is impossible to tell when the mold will change from one form to another, thus making it more difficult to destroy. Most molds need simple things to exist and colonize such as a type of moist intrusion or humidity, otherwise known as "the wicking effect." In some cases, it can take as little as 24 hours for this process to begin. After the source of the moisture has stopped, it does not mean that the mold has stopped growing. Additionally, some molds are dimorphic; meaning they can change from a yeast stage to mold, as both are fungi.