Expert: David Powner - 11/25/2005

Question
Hi David,
Could you tell me how I could monitor my home for carbon monoxide and lead paints/radon.
Also,I would like to  know how potentially  deadly excessive exposure affects people.
Thanks  

Answer
Depending upon where you are, you can readily obtain a low-cost CO monitor from general stores.

Lead in paint wouldn't be monitored - it's either there or it isn't - you would pay a laboratory to have samples tested, and take appropriate action.


Radon  monitoring is difficult - you would have to pay for a specialist to test for it - here the authorities have charts of localities where radon is known, and they test the properties for free - if it is found, they install suitable venting for free.

I can not explain how exposure affects people, because the effects vary, depending upon the degree of exposure.