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Environmental Health Promotion: Household Safety
Mercury
One of the most common uses for mercury is thermometers, but it can also be found in thermostats and fluorescent light bulbs. All of these items must be disposed of properly, through a recycler or a mercury collection point.
Mercury can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, digestive system, and liver. It stays around for a long time, so if it is ingested or inhaled it accumulates in the body. Breathing in its invisible vapors is the most common and most dangerous way people are exposed to mercury.
If mercury is spilled, do not try to vacuum it up. Vacuuming the mercury heats it and turns it into a toxic gas that is then inhaled.
The Mercury Hotline for Nebraska is (402) 326-0231 and the toll free line is 1-888-242-1100, menu choice 4. This hotline is set up for public information regarding a Mercury spill, use, or just general information.
Public Health Solutions is an official drop off location for household items containing mercury. We can collect items containing mercury, seal them, and safely send them to a licensed recycler. This project is funded through grant funds of Nebraska Health and Human Services System (NHHSS). If you have further questions regarding Mercury contact Public Health Solutions at 1-888-310-0565.
Click here for information about mercury, vaccines and autism.
Additional resources:
Nebraska Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Radon
 Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of Uranium in the bedrock. Radon becomes a health concern if it accumulates in your home. Radon is odorless and colorless, and caneep into your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation or crawl space.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to tobacco smoke. The degree of risk depends on the level of radon in the home, how much time is spent in the home, and smoking history. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the recommended action level at 4 pCi/L (4 Picocuries per Liter).
There is no way to predict if a house will have high radon levels. High levels of radon can occur in homes regardless of their age, the radon levels in neighboring homes, or building materials. The only way to know if your home has dangerous levels of radon gas is to test it. When testing be certain to use an EPA listed device or hire an EPA listed or state certified radon tester. Click here for the current list of licensed radon measurement businesses in Nebraska.
If your short-term test indicates that your radon levels are 4-10 pCi/L you should consider running a long-term test kit. If they are even higher, or the long-term test kit confirms levels above 4 pCi/L you should contact a state licensed mitigation company to have a mitigation system installed. These companies have highly trained professionals who will guarantee their work and conduct re-testing to ensure that radon levels in the home are below the EPA recommended 4 pCi/L after a system is installed. Click here to go to the current list of licensed radon mitigation businesses in Nebraska.
If you have questions regarding radon or obtaining a radon test kit please contact our office at 1-888-310-0565.
For more information on radon visit the following websites:
Nebraska Health and Human Services Systems radon program
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Pesticides, Fertilizers and Cleaners
Just because these household chemicals are on the store shelves doesn't mean they are perfectly safe. Pesticides are designed to kill undesirable plants, insects or animals. Fertilizers can be potent pollutants if overused or improperly applied. Household cleaners can be some of the most dangerous chemicals we have routine access to. Carefully read the label for use, storage and disposal instructions. Use only the amount necessary for accomplishing the task, using personal protective gear if specified on the label. Better yet, use only non-toxic methods for getting rid of pests, fertilizing plants, and cleaning house (remember, "natural" products are not automatically non-toxic). Here are just a few examples of how easy it is to avoid using household hazardous chemicals:
> Tighten up your home to prevent pests from entering.
> Use compost instead of fertilizer.
> Hand-pull weeds instead of applying herbicide.
> Landscape yards with drought, disease and pest resistant plants.
> Use a vinegar solution in place of bleach or harsh general purpose cleaners.
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Mold
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Mold (aka mildew) becomes a problem when it accumulates indoors, where it can irritate skin and the respiratory system. Most people experience only mild symptoms from accumulated mold, but some are extremely sensitive to it and can develop serious and even life-threatening breathing problems. Even dead and dormant mold can cause health problems, so mold must be completely removed to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Mold requires moisture to grow. Prevent mold by fixing leaks and drying out the affected area within 1-2 days of the moisture's entry. Clean up existing mold by scrubbing it away from hard non-porous surfaces using a vinegar solution or diluted bleach-water (make sure there is adequate ventilation). Porous surfaces like carpet, drywall, drapes, etc. cannot usually be salvaged once mold growth is established, and must be replaced. Testing for mold is not usually advised, because mold is so ever-present in the environment that most tests will produce positive results regardless of whether there is a real problem with mold.
Large mold problems should only be tackled by trained and properly equipped professionals. There are no regulations, training or licensing requirements for 'mold' contractors, so make sure to check their references, extent of experience, and track record.
For more information about mold, mold-related health problems, and preventing mold growth after flooding:
"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" (EPA)
"Mold Facts, Prevention and Health Concerns" (CDC)
"Is Mold Affecting Your Health?" (NHHSS)
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