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