"<p><strong>Mercury <\/strong>was commonly used in electrical equipment including thermostats, thermometers, silent switches, alkaline\u00a0batteries and fluorescent lamps. Exposure, even in small amounts, causes adverse health effects including toxicity to\u00a0the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory, and endocrine systems, and is a threat to the development of children\u00a0in utero and early development.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>PCBs<\/strong> can reside in household materials manufactured prior to 1978, including but not limited to fluorescent lighting\u00a0ballasts, cable insulation, appliances and electrical devices. Exposure can cause issues ranging from skin irritations\u00a0to severe reproductive, neurological and immune system deficiencies, and is also a threat to fetal and early child\u00a0development.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Silica <\/strong>exists in many forms, the most relevant being quartz silica used in cementitious building materials such as\u00a0brick, cultured stone, cement, and mortar. The main concern involving silica is the risk its disruption poses to\u00a0workers during demolition. Exposure can lead to the development of silicosis and tuberculosis, as well as other\u00a0severe respiratory problems including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Lead <\/strong>containing paint was banned from use in 1978, however continues to be used in the manufacturing of other\u00a0household goods and materials. Lead can reside in plumbing, pipes, cable splices, solder joints, flues and ceramic\u00a0tile glazing. Lead poisoning most affects the brain and can cause severe developmental impairment in children, as\u00a0well as gastrointestinal and neuromuscular disorders.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Mould<\/strong> spores may exist behind wall cavities, under carpeting, or concealed anywhere in damp or water damaged\u00a0areas. Under certain conditions mould excretes toxic compounds that can lead to fungal infections or poisoning of\u00a0the neurological system. Persons with compromised immune systems, children, the elderly, and pregnant women\u00a0have an increased sensitivity to mould.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Other<\/strong> miscellaneous hazards that may be present include: ozone depleting substances found in refrigeration\u00a0equipment, radioactive isotopes in fire alarms, urea formaldehyde foam, paint cans, solvents, automotive chemicals,\u00a0household cleaners and other flammable liquids. Special attention should be paid to rodent droppings, which in\u00a0rare cases can cause severe respiratory diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.<\/p>"