Environmental Public Health Division

Other Pollutants - Asbestos; Radon; Lead; Mercury Vapor

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Sources:

A. Asbestos- gaskets and insulation in heating systems, acoustic insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, shingles, fireplace gloves, ironing board covers, certain hairdryers, brake pads, textured paints, artificial ashes and embers for gas fireplaces

B. Radon- naturally occurring radioactive gas from the decay of radium. Radon attaches to other airborne particles such as cigarette smoke, dust, and aerosols. It is found in rock, soil, groundwater, and mineral building materials. The gas can enter through cracks in a concrete slab, loose fitting pipe penetrations, floor drains. Radon levels are highest in basements.

C. Lead- dust on clothing from occupational worksite, paint, folk medicines, fishing weights, bullets, solder, ceramics, tainted soil, miniblinds, leaded crystal, sanding or scraping leaded surfaces, pipes, inhalation of smoke from burning painted surfaces, leaded gasoline, food products grown in contaminated soil, drinking water, car batteries, stained-glass making

D. Mercury vapor- interior latex (water base) paint containing phenyl mercuric acetate, thermometers, barometers, manometers, electrical lamps, batteries, tooth amalgams, paper preservative, contaminated seafood products

Spills at room temperature evaporate into mercury vapor which is then inhaled

Health Effects :

A. Asbestos- no immediate symptoms, long-term risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases, asbestosis

B. Radon- no immediate symptoms, lung cancer

C. Lead- abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, headache, personality change, hearing loss, (infants) delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ, shortened attention span, convulsions, coma, death.

D. Mercury- muscle cramps or tremors, headache, fast heartbeat, intermittent fever, personality change, chest pain, coughing, salivation, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, tunnel vision, insomnia, forgetfulness

Remediation:

A. Asbestos- Leave undamaged materials alone, consider option of encapsulating or sealing damaged material, repair or remove by a professional asbestos abatement contractor

B. Radon- First test your building for radon levels greater than 4pCi/L, treat radon contaminated well water, stop or discourage smoking, seal foundation cracks and holes, vent radon-laden air from beneath the foundation, soil depressurization, provide an air cleaning unit which contains a specialized carbon regenerating device, use a professional or state certified Radon-reduction contractor.

* Radon levels in Harris County are minimal and pose very little health risk.

C. Lead- keep children play areas dust free and clean with a mild phosphate based) soap and water solution. Do not sand or burn off lead based paint. Leave paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Do not bring lead dust into the home on work clothes. Encapsulate lead painted surface if practical. Use wet scraping technique and plastic drop sheets to reduce spreading paint flakes. Contract a professional lead paint abatement company. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron.

D. Mercury vapor- Clean up mercury spill and ventilate the area. Remove all sources. Do not use paints with PMA preservative. Small spills: Use a medicine dropper and flashlight during cleanup and remove gold jewelry. Larger spills require evacuation and proper decontamination methods.