Green Oaks Estates

Health & Safety Concerns for Our Area

WEST NILE VIRUS

In August 2007, a mosquito trap in Briscoe Park in Snellville revealed 100% involvement of West Nile Virus in the mosquitoes tested.

Most cases of West Nile Virus are undiagnosed and unreported. It may cause mild flu like symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, it can cause encephalitis, meningitis, and death.

Federal funding has been cut for West Nile research, so it's up to us to protect ourselves, and especially young children and the elderly. Use a product with DEET any time you will be outside. Be sure to wash it off at night, and don't let it remain on your skin for more than 12 hours.

SMOG ALERTS

You'll hear it on the news when we hit those high temperatures and Code Red or Orange smog alerts. Don't take this lightly.

CODE ORANGE means that the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups. That includes young children, elderly people, and anyone with allergies, asthma, or lung disease.

CODE RED means the air is unhealthy for ALL groups. Stay inside unless you absolutely must go outside. Limit any outdoor activities.

You'll find a link below to check the prediction and the results for each day.

RADON GAS

You may not hear much about it, but if you live in Gwinnett County, you may have higher than acceptable levels of radon gas in your home.

Radon is a silent threat. You cannot smell it, and you may not have any symptoms of radon poisoning. However, it is linked to lung cancer, and it is particularly dangerous for people who also smoke cigarettes.

Many builders are now stubbing new homes for the owners to install radon release systems.

If an unacceptable level of radon is detected your home, it can be mitigated by venting the radon gas from below the slab through the roof, or on the outside of the house to beyond the roof level.

Visit the Gwinnett County Extension office at 750 S. Perry Street, Suite 400, in Lawrenceville to pick up a (FREE) kit to test your home.

For more information, call 678.377.4010

See links below for additional information.

This article was added by
P. Sabin
Last Updated August 10, 2007