Q: Why is allergen and mold testing important? A: If any member of the family is allergey sensitive or a history of respiratory problems, mold and allergy testing should be considered. Molds are naturally occuring in the enviroment. Most of the time our immune systems are not bothered by their presence. However, should the mold spore concentration rise, or the length of time you are exposed to mold, or your immune system changes, increases your chance of having a rection to the molds in your enviroment. Molds are microscopic until they build colonies, which are the result of moisture, heat, and a food source. Remove one of those items and the mold stops growing. Molds are found in basements, attics into which bathrooms have been improperly vented, and unvented bathrooms.
Q: Why is radon important? A: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, class A carcinogen, gas. Radon gas is the result of the radioactive break down of uranium in the soil. Radon gas leaks into the home from cracks in the basement floor and at the edge of the basement floor and foundation wall, and from crawl spaces the house. The presence of radon can only be determined through testing. Central Lake County homes test positive for dangerous levels of radon slightly less than 25% of the time. While homes at he edges of the county test at a rate of 25% to 50% for dangerous levels of radon. McHenry County test reveal dangerous level of radon in 25% or greater in most of the county . Radon may also be in your water supply but its risk of causing stomach cancer is significantly lower than lung cancer associated with air bourn varity. For more information try the following web sites: http://www.radon.illinois.gov/MeasurementMaps/Lake.pdf ; http://iema.illinois.gov/iema/radon/pdf/abcofradon.pdf