Our home was built in 2013 in Petaluma. I’m sure it was
tested anyway, but because our home was not built before 1978, it does not need
to be tested for lead, and there is no peeling or chipping paint that I could
see. I did not know the rules regarding lead testing, and I enjoyed filling out
this home assessment tool for that reason. Our townhouse is three stories and
my sister and I live on the bottom floor, but we are on the street level and
there is no basement. However, now I’m concerned about radon exposure since we
are closest to the street. I’m not sure if this is applicable because there is
no basement, but I would be curious to find out.
While I believe the local department for environmental
health or agency for home inspection should be in charge of major assessments
such as water heater inspection and routine structural/chemical tests, the
landlords, owners, and residents of homes should be aware of potential
exposures they may be surrounded by if they see paint peeling, have expired
smoke alarms/ carbon monoxide detectors, or any fumes that seem unhealthy or
make them feel ill. Again, those who live in more affluent areas and who are
more aware of the exposures around them are more likely to conduct or request
inspection; I would be interested to know the percentage of homes in lower SES
neighborhoods that get tested for dangerous exposures as well as the percentage
of homes with known exposures based on this assessment tool.
Hey there!
ReplyDeleteSo I had to look up what radon is because I keep hearing about it and never took the time to learn about it. Here's what I learned: Apparently its a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium and other elements/compounds in soil and can creep up through cracks and holes in house foundations. I'm sure since the home is pretty new, the foundation must be in good quality condition so you might not need to be too concerned. However, if you do notice cracks in the foundation, then perhaps it wouldn't hurt to get the house checked out! In regards to whether or not low SES communities are regularly tested, I too am curious. If those areas are not inspected as much, then that proves a disparity for folks in poverty. They could be exposed to horrific pathogens, let alone radon and other radioactivity, can't afford quality healthcare, and have to just live with it. If something can be done to at least make sure the areas in which they reside are healthy, perhaps the residents won't be exposed to hazards that can cause chronic conditions and the need for long term health care.
Hi Reid,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if lead exposure testing is something required by local housing/building inspection departments. To me it seems like something the local government should be responsible for. My mom found a report on exposures regarding our house and I was able to find the report on radon level but not lead.
It would be important to assess lead, radon, and other exposures in low SES communities. Especially in neighborhoods that have refineries, factories, and plants it would be important to check for radon exposure. I imagine it would be higher in those areas. I would be interested in finding that out.
Amy