Five Common Dangers in Portland Oregon Homes
1. Roof Leaks and Moisture Problems
Replacing or repairing a leaky roof can be very expensive, which is why people put it off so often. But in Portland, the constant rain (and occasional snow) can cause water to seep in through roof leaks, damaging ceilings, walls, structural supports and foundations. Plus, mold, mildew, moss, algae, and fungus thrive and grow in damp environments. Whether it’s a leaky roof, poorly sealed windows, doorways without proper weather stripping, or plumbing problems, mold is a very common issue in Willamette Valley homes. Learn more about mold-related issues in our resource center.
2. Oil Tanks
Starting in 2009, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has adopted the federal standards for naphthalene and ethylbenzene (which are compounds found in home heating oil.) That means underground heating oil tanks that are decommissioned will face tougher standards—and that’s going to be costly, because more soil will need to be removed if it’s contaminated. Oil storage tank inspection, decommissioning and cleanup requires a special license from DEQ. You’ll find a list of licensed experts at the Oregon DEQ.
3. Lead Paint
You might think lead paint is only a problem for very old homes with chipped, flaking paint. However, lead dust is the leading cause of lead poisoning, and it’s common in houses built before 1978. The greatest risk is in homes built before 1950, and remodeling and repairing these homes can be dangerous—in fact, nearly half of the investigations for childhood lead poisoning in Oregon found that remodeling or repainting was the source of exposure. Learn more about lead poising from the State of Oregon. And find out about the risks of lead paint when you’re remodeling your home.
4. Asbestos
Because of its handy heat-resistant qualities, asbestos often appears in homes built prior to 1980. It was often used for pipes and insulation, but it’s extremely corrosive and causes health problems, including a rare form of lung cancer called malignant mesothelioma. Not all asbestos is harmful, but frequent or long-term exposure can increase the chances of developing an asbestos-related illness. Learn more about asbestos from the Oregon DEQ.
5. Radon
Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium inside the earth. While it may not cause immediate health problems, more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year. High radon concentrations have been found in every Portland neighborhood, but some areas more likely to have high radon levels than others. North and northeast Portland and Clark County Washington are areas where nearly half of the homes tested have indoor radon levels exceed EPA’s recommended action levels. Learn more about the hidden dangers of radon.
Learn More
The Basics of Good Ventilation
How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Home