Environmental Resources & Links

Radon

EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. Lung cancer is the only known effect on human health from exposure to radon in air.

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Asbestos

"Asbestos" is actually a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. These minerals can be separated into microscopic fibers, which are resistant to heat, abrasion, chemicals, and non-conductive for electricity. Due to these properties, asbestos was widely used in building construction materials, particularly between 1900 to 1980.

Asbestos was used in over 3,500 different products. Building products, which may contain asbestos include; pipe and furnace insulation, spray on insulation, floor coverings (tile and sheets), roofing, ceiling tiles and/or panels, decorative plaster, wall coverings, and exterior siding. In addition, asbestos was widely used in other consumer products, such as sealants, gaskets, reinforced plastics, wire coverings, sound dampening, and at one time, cigarette filters.

Asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer.

>> For more information on the Asbestos Control Program visit the RI Department of Health

Mold

Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere, inside and outside, including on plants, foods and dry leaves. They can be nearly any color – white, orange, green or black. Molds are beneficial to the environment and are needed to break down dead material. Very tiny and lightweight, mold spores travel easily through the air.

Most building surfaces can provide adequate nutrients to support the growth of mold. When mold spores land on material that is damp – for example, walls, floors, appliances (such as humidifiers or air conditioners), carpet or furniture – they can begin to multiply. When molds are present in large numbers, they may cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

>> For more information on Mold/Mildew and Other Indoor Air Quality visit the RI Department of Health