Indoor Air Quality

Molds
Molds naturally exist in both indoor and outdoor environments, therefore it is almost impossible to live in a mold-free surrounding.  As mold spores grow, they can easily be released into the air and inhaled.  Most molds have the potential to cause health effects.  Depending on the severity of exposure, most molds can generate allergens, irritants, and even toxins that may result in adverse health effects in humans.  Some molds have the potential to produce substances known as mycotoxins, which may cause a variety of adverse health effects.  Most common indoor molds have the potential to produce mycotoxins.  Even though mycotoxin-producing molds have been identified in a residence, this does not necessarily mean the occupants have been exposed to these toxins.  Another mold that originates in indoor environments is Stachybotrys.  This slimy greenish-black colored mold is typically found on cellulose or paper products that have been saturated for long periods of time.  If molds such as Stachybotrys are found in your home, proper action should be taken for their removal in order to provide the best overall environment for all occupants.  For information on proper mold removal techniques, please see the link entitled “Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor and Outdoor Molds”. 

If you are a tenant in either a rented apartment or household, assistance and/or recommendations can be provided, however, the Knox County Health Department does not have the authority to enforce cleanup by the landlord.  For those living within the city limits of Galesburg, assistance can also be provided through Community Development office.

Currently, both the Knox County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health do not test for mold.  Even if testing were to be conducted, no standards exist to determine the acceptable levels of mold. 

For more information on mold, please follow the links below:
Reducing your exposure to mold
FAQS about Mold
Mold and Your Health
Controlling Moisture
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health

Radon Gas
Most people don’t realize that the U.S.E.P.A. has said that exposure to high levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas.  It is formed during the decay of uranium that is found naturally in the soil.  Radon moves easily through the soil or air and can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, basement walls and floors. Once radon enters the home the risk for inhalation exposure increases causing damage to lung tissue which may lead to lung cancer.  Smoking greatly increases this risk.  The U.S.E.P.A. action level for radon is 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).  The risk of developing lung cancer as 4.0 pCi/L is estimated at about 2 lung cancer deaths per 1,000 persons. The only way to know for sure if your home has a high level of radon is to conduct testing.

The U.S.E.P.A. estimates between 7,000 and 30,000 deaths a year are attributed to radon-induced lung cancer.  The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety has identified Knox County as being a potential Radon Risk area.  This rating indicates that there is a potential that homes within the county have a predicted average radon screening level, which exceeds recommended standards.

The Knox County Health Department has developed a radon education program, which can be presented to any community group that would be interested in learning more about radon health risks.  The Knox County Health Department has radon home test kits available for a nominal fee.

For more information click here