| Insects and Hazards |
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Unfinished basements often become a breeding ground for various insects and even rodents. As uninvited house guests you have the right to evict them at will. Now is a good time. In some cases, cleaning the basement and spraying it with approved insecticides will take care of the problem. In extreme cases, hire a licensed exterminator to prepare your unfinished basement for remodeling. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning. That means carbon monoxide is present around fireplaces, furnaces, gas appliances, and other combustion appliances as well as in garages where a car’s engine is running. High amounts of carbon monoxide can be a health hazard to humans and pets. Alarms are available at larger hardware stores to test for the presence of excessive levels of carbon monoxide. Radon is an odorless gas released when traces of uranium in the ground decay. Outside the home radon quickly dissipates in the atmosphere. Underneath a home radon gas can build up and become a health hazard, especially to those who smoke cigarettes or have respiratory problems. Fortunately, you can buy a radon test or alarm kit at larger building materials outlets and use it to find out if hazardous amounts of radon gas (4 picoCuries per liter of air) are present. Instructions with the testers and alarms will tell you what to do next. Asbestos, unfortunately, isn’t as easy to detect. Asbestos was used in many building materials until about 20 years ago when the health hazards were identified. It was used in insulation, flooring, and other materials. Only airborne asbestos poses a health risk. That means removing some building materials in older homes can release asbestos particles into the atmosphere and potentially cause health problems. Contractors trained and licensed for asbestos removal may be the best option if you suspect that your unfinished basement has asbestos. Check your local telephone book under “Asbestos Abatement & Removal Service” or “Asbestos Consulting & Testing” to learn how to have your home inspected for this hazard.
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