Home Buying Hazards: Mold and Radon

Two home buying hazards common in Central Iowa are radon and mold.


Radon is an element released by naturally occurring radioactive materials in the soil. This gas product is radioactive and increases the probability of lung cancer when inhaled. This is a gaseous element which enters the home through the basement from the soil, and generally remains in there because of its mass. The only way to effectively "treat" radon gas is to lower the concentration, which is done by increasing airflow to the area and more effectively sealing it out in the first place. Mitigation is most commonly practiced by installation of a fan which moves air through the basement continuously, which doesn't allow the heavy gas to accumulate.

Mold is estimated to be in approximately 10 percent of all U.S. buildings. There are many mold types but only some are toxic. Mold prefers to grow on organic materials and grows most rapidly under the correct temperature and moisture conditions. Mold is most dangerous when microscopic spores are inhaled and an infection results, but allergic diseases such as asthma are also common and dangerous. Mold prevention is the easiest and most effective defense against mold. Temperature, grow substrates, and moisture are all key to mold growth, and of these moisture is the easiest factor to control. The lower the continuous moisture levels, the better. Growth substrates can be chemically treated to prevent mold growth as well.

Follow up Wednesday for more info about Asbestos and Lead-based Paint!