Enviroment
... two protons and two neutrons. If and alpha particle strikes chromosomes in a lung cell it could alter the way the cell reproduces. Our immune system should destroy these cells over the next ten to twenty years before they can multiply into a cancerous growth. Some people’s immune system is different so radon doesn’t affect everyone the same. In smokers they produce “hot spots” of radioactivity that can lead to lung cancer in some areas (Coffel, Feiden, 1990). Radon in indoor environments did not receive great attention in the U.S. until an incident in 1984. During a routine monitoring a Pennsylvania nuclear power plant worker was found to be contaminated with radioactivity caused by high concentration of radon in his home. His home was located on a geologic formation called the Reading Prong. High levels of radon have been documented on numerous homes on the Reading Prong (Martin, 1995[Online]). Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral fiber used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and fire retardant. Most dangerous asbestos is too small to see. They can be airborne when disturbed or improper removal. If asbestos is inhaled fibers remain and accumulate in the lungs. This can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the chest) and asbestosis (lung scarring). Products made today do not contain asbestos. The U.S. Environmental Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have banned several asbestos products (Crother, 1989). Manufactures have voluntarily agreed to limit the use of asbestos. Any products made that still contain asbestos are to be clearly labeled. Building products and insulation materials made before 1905 contain asbestos. These products include pipe and furnace insulation materials, cement shingles, siding and roofing, millboard, resilient floor tiles, backing on vinyl sheet flooring, floor tile adhesives, soundproofing and decorative material, patching and joint compound, fireproof gloves and stove top pads, automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets (Environmental Health Center, 2001[Online]). Lead Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children. It is exposed through deteriorating paint and dust, air, drinking water, food, and contaminated soil. Airborne lead enters the body when you breath or swallow lead particles or dust once it has settled. Lead can leach into drinking water from plumbing materials, clad pipes, copper pipes with lead solder, and brass faucets (Gay, 1991). Two thirds of homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain lead based paint. Paint made after 1978 contains no intentionally added lead since it was banned from use of interior and exterior use of homes. Lead can cause brain damage; affect a child’s growth, damage kidneys, impair hearing, cause vomiting, headaches, appetite loss, learning and behavioral problems. In adults lead can increase blood pressure and can cause digestive problems, nerve disorders, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain, and mood changes. Children are more vulnerable to lead exposure because lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies (Environmental Health Center, 2000[Online]). Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a colorless strong smelling gas. It’s used to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. Used in glues, wood products, preservatives, permanent press fabrics, pap...