"<p><strong>\u00a0Mercury<\/strong> was commonly used in electrical equipment including thermostats, thermometers, silent switches, alkaline\u00a0<br>batteries and fluorescent lamps. Exposure, even in small amounts, causes adverse health effects including toxicity\u00a0<br>to the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory, and endocrine systems, and is a threat to the development of\u00a0<br>children in utero and early development.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><br><strong>PCBs<\/strong> can reside in household materials manufactured prior to 1978, including but not limited to fluorescent\u00a0<br>lighting ballasts, cable insulation, appliances and electrical devices. Exposure can cause issues ranging from skin\u00a0<br>irritations to severe reproductive, neurological and immune system deficiencies, and is also a threat to fetal and\u00a0<br>early child development. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><br><strong>Silica<\/strong> exists in many forms, the most relevant being quartz silica used in cementitious building materials such as\u00a0<br>brick, cultured stone, cement, and mortar. The main concern involving silica is the risk its disruption poses to\u00a0<br>workers during demolition. Exposure can lead to the development of silicosis and tuberculosis, as well as other\u00a0<br>severe respiratory problems including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><br><strong>Lead <\/strong>containing paint was banned from use in 1978, however continues to be used in the manufacturing of other\u00a0<br>household goods and materials. Lead can reside in plumbing, pipes, cable splices, solder joints, flues and ceramic\u00a0<br>tile glazing. Lead poisoning most affects the brain and can cause severe developmental impairment in children, as\u00a0<br>well as gastrointestinal and neuromuscular disorders. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><br><strong>Mould<\/strong> spores may exist behind wall cavities, under carpeting, or concealed anywhere in damp or water damaged\u00a0<br>areas. Under certain conditions mould excretes toxic compounds that can lead to fungal infections or poisoning of\u00a0<br>the neurological system. Persons with compromised immune systems, children, the elderly, and pregnant women\u00a0<br>have an increased sensitivity to mould. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><br><strong>Other <\/strong>miscellaneous hazards that may be present include: ozone depleting substances found in refrigeration\u00a0<br>equipment, radioactive isotopes in fire alarms, urea formaldehyde foam, paint cans, solvents, automotive\u00a0<br>chemicals, household cleaners and other flammable liquids. Special attention should be paid to rodent droppings,\u00a0<br>which in rare cases can cause severe respiratory diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.<\/p>"