Mold and Radon

What is mold?
Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere indoors, and outdoors. Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments, they grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of houseplants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne, threatening to invade the human respiratory system. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green, to brown and black. In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. The mold Stachybotyrs atra found in home and office environments has been linked to fatal pulmonary disorders. In order for mold to grow, it needs food sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture, and a place to grow.

What is Radon gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the U.S. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home can trap radon inside. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home.

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in Michigan. Contact Michigan’s radon office for information about radon in your area.