Radon Gas

The gas then seeps through any access point into a home. Common entry points are cracks in the foundation, poorly sealed pipes, drainage or any other loose point. Once in the home, the gas can collect in certain areas especially basements and other low-lying, closed areas and build up over time to dangerous levels. The Environmental Protection Agency of the US Government has set a threshold of 4 pico curies per liter as the safe level. As humans are exposed to the gas over a period of years, it can have a significant and detrimental effect.

How widespread is the problem? Radon has been found in homes in all 50 states. Certain areas are more susceptible than others (http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html), but no location is immune. Concentrations of radon-causing materials in the soil can be either natural or man-made. Homes built near historic mining operations may be at higher risk. The only way to tell for sure is to have a home tested.

 The EPA web site (http://www.epa.gov/radon/manufact.html) provides information on finding an appropriate resources and testing devices.

If high concentrations of radon are found in your home, you have several options. Since radon is only a problem when it is concentrated in high volume, improving the ventilation in an area is often sufficient to solve the problem. In other cases, it may be necessary to limit the amount of radon getting into the home by sealing or otherwise obstructing the access points. Once again, a professional should be engaged to ensure that the radon is effectively blocked. Typical radon mitigation systems can cost between $800 and $2500, according to the EPA.

For more information, visit the EPA web site on radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon.

Mold

Mold produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

See also: An Introduction to Molds at www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html

Termites

Termites, powder post beetles, carpenter bees and ants are the focus here.  Termites and beetles are the primary concern because they are much more destructive.  Did you know there are 2200 termite species worldwide and 45 of those are in the United States? 

New Jersey has only subterranean termites which come from the soil to eat and digest any cellulose (wood containing matter).  They thrive where cellulose and high moisture exist, therefore it is essential that moisture drains away from your  dwelling and wood products are up and away from the finish grade.  Termites can have colonies of over 1,000,000 and can eat one pound of wood per day.  Termites appear similar to winged ants except they have non-segmented bodies, four wings of equal length and straight antennas (not elbowed like ants).  Power Post Beetles enter a home already embedded inside wood members (usually large timbers in older homes).  They too can be devastating to your homes structural integrity.  They kick out their frass (sawdust like powder) from small 1\16 inch holes they create in the wood.