M1.5 Home Assessment

Home built before 1978: Yes
Home tested for lead: Unknown, not since we bought the home
Living space in the basement: No
Attached garage: Yes
Home radon test: Unknown, not since we bought the home
Home radon ventilation system: No 

Combustion heating source: Yes
Gas, kerosene, or propane space heater: No
Wood stove: No
Fireplace: Yes

Gas dryer: Yes
Vented: Yes
Gas hot water heater: Yes
Vented: Yes
Gas stove: Yes

Well water: No 
Lead pipes: No 
Water tested for contaminants: Santa Clara County water facility does test for contaminants
Known contaminants: None currently

Smoke detector: Yes
Carbon monoxide detector: Yes
Fire extinguisher: Yes
Fire evacuation route: N/A
Emergency phone number list: No
Disaster plan: Yes, but needs updating
Shelter-in-place supplies: Yes, but needs updating 

Insects in the home: No, but house was treated for termites in 2008 with vikane 
Rodents in home: None currently, but previously we had rats in the attached garage 
Pesticide spraying in the home: No 
Pesticide contract: No 
Frequency: N/A

Air freshener used in home: Yes
Candles: Yes
Plug-ins: No
Incense: No
Frequency: Once per week 
Use of strong smelling cleaners: Yes

Tuna fish served in home: No, but salmon is often served once per week
Fresh fruit/vegetables used: Yes
Local/organic products used: Yes

Mercury thermometer in house: Yes 
Other mercury devices: No 
Needle boxes: N/A
Use of traditional or cultural remedies containing mercury: No

Smoking allowed in home: No 
House smells like smoke: No 
Cigarette products present: No

After reviewing the environmental health of my home, I am most concerned about the possibility of lead paint on the walls. Based on a video that was assigned for class, I can guesstimate that there is a 69% chance that my home could have lead paint on the walls. Lead exposure is a serious problem for young children and adults as it can affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. I also read that many homes built before the 1980s have lead solder connecting the pipes. This is another concerning source of lead because my home was built before 1980. However, this seems like an extremely expensive problem to fix! Another area that we could improve upon is taking our shoes off at the entry way. I did not realize that wearing shoes worn outside and then into the home could track in soot containing lead and other contaminants. This is an easy fix, but it will require a change in habit for all of us who live here.