by Krista Peterson, Guest Contributor
We often think of our homes as safe houses, places where we can filter out the dangers of the outside world and shelter ourselves. However in the wake of the Environmental Working Group’s report that hexavalent chromium-6, the carcinogenic chemical that was made famous by the based-on-true-events movie Erin Brockovich, was found in thirty-one American cities’ tap water it’s time to examine other possible toxins that are commonly found inside the house. Among the most common and dangerous toxins are houses painted with lead-based paint, insulated with thermal insulation containing asbestos, or containing mercury-based thermostats or other items.
The most common sources of lead poisoning, even though the EPA banned the use of lead-based paint on houses in 1978, still includes deteriorating lead-based paint and lead contaminated residential soil. Be extremely careful if you are renovating your house because the chances of getting lead poisoning are worst when people unknowingly breathe in lead dust during renovations that disturb surfaces painted with lead-based paint. Be particularly careful around children as well because children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the effects of lead poisoning, so kids six years old and younger are most at risk. Lead poisoning can lead to reproductive problems, high blood pressure, nerve disorders, or memory problems.
Mercury is one of the most common toxins found in households. It can be found in several household items including certain thermostats, switches, batteries, and light bulbs. However, mercury-free alternatives are available for all those products and should be purchased whenever possible. High levels of exposure to mercury can lead to tremors, headaches, kidney problems, and even respiratory failure. If you do have a thermostat or other item that contains mercury be careful not to crack the casing because mercury is most likely to cause long-term health problems when breathed in as a vapor.
Asbestos use, just like lead use, has been regulated in the US since the 1970’s. However asbestos can still pose a serious threat in older homes. Asbestos was commonly used to insulate houses and has been known to lead to both asbestosis and mesothelioma, a form of cancer. Of the environmental toxins that are commonly present in the average household asbestos is the most dangerous because the mesothelioma life expectancy is only a little over a year. Because asbestos has been found in houses built all the way up to 1986 it’s wise to have your house examined for asbestos even if it was built after the EPA began regulating its use.
As much as we like to imagine our houses as safe, it’s important to know that these toxins are present in the average American home. However, they don’t have to be present in your home. With care and a little work you can rid your home of these common toxins.
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Krista Peterson is a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida and an aspiring writer. As a Health & Safety Advocate, she has a passion for the wellness of our community and environment and she uses her writings to spread awareness of such issues to encourage others to live the healthiest and most eco-friendly life possible.
