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This document is also available as a PDF. HealthWeek No. 150 ANNOUNCER: Funding for HealthWeek is provided by the Howard
Heinz Endowment and the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation.
SHARYL ATTKISSON: Today on a special edition of Healthweek... Your home and your health. It may look beautiful on the outside. But
there could be hazards hidden within, hazards like mold that can kill
young children. CATHY ROGERS: "And all you could hear was Katelynn moaning. It
was just a very deep, sad moan. It was the worse sound you could ever
hear." SHARYL ATTKISSON: What you can do to protect your family from this
new threat.
Also, a more familiar problem: radon. Have its dangers been
overstated?
LEONARD COLE, PhD: "I think we ought to be very frank with the
public and say there's a lot about this we don't know." SHARYL ATTKISSON: Find out whether your home falls in the danger
zone. And, can you "design away" sneezes and sniffles? Take a peek at a
house that's built with your health in mind. All that and more on this
special "home" edition of HealthWeek. TAMOXIFEN Hello. I'm Sharyl Attkisson. It's spring, and time for many of us to
spruce up around the house. But while you're doing all that
window-washing and closet-cleaning, you might also want to take a
hard look at your house from a health standpoint. We'll help you do
that today. But first a landmark in the fight against breast cancer: the first drug to
prevent it. This week, the National Cancer Institute stopped a large
study of the drug Tamoxifen ahead of schedule because the results
were so promising. At a news conference, researchers reported that
Tamoxifen cut the risk of developing breast cancer by 45 percent in 1 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm women at high risk. RICHARD KLAUSNER, MD, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE:
The results of this study are remarkable. It is not often that we get to
present results of the magnitude of a 45 percent reduction, certainly not
in this disease. LESLIE FORD, MD, NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE: The decision to
begin Tamoxifen therapy is a very complex one. There are no simple
answers. And even for women that are at high risk for developing
breast cancer, Tamoxifen may not be the appropriate choice. SHARYL ATTKISSON: Here with more on Tamoxifen is Doctor
Bernadine Healy, dean of the Ohio State school of medicine and editor
of the Journal of Women's Health. Dr. Healy, we've heard that Tamoxifen might not be for everybody.
What are some of the things you can tell us about risk-wise? BERNADINE HEALY, MD, OHIO STATE UNIV COLLEGE OF MEDICINE:
Well, clearly Tamoxifen has great benefits, but we must not forget it is
a powerful, powerful hormone and it affects a woman's total body. We
have learned that uterine cancer is increased in women who take
Tamoxifen. We also know blood clots in the legs, which can travel to
the lungs, can be a side effect. And Tamoxifen can induce certain
symptoms, side effects which include hot flashes, menopausal-like
symptoms. SHARYL ATTKISSON: And so it sounds like, with all those potential
drawbacks, that women who are not at high risk shouldn't even
consider the drug. BERNADINE HEALY, MD: You're absolutely right. This is not for
women without high risk. SHARYL ATTKISSON: And so how do you define that? How does one
tell if you're at high risk for breast cancer? BERNADINE HEALY, MD: It's a combination of many things that come
together that define your risk. In the Tamoxifen study, we were looking
at risks that were greater than two times that of a normal woman. That
includes being over the age of 60. It also includes women who have a
strong family history of breast cancer, certain reproductive
characteristics of their past history, whether or not they had an early
menarche, whether they did not have children, had delayed
childbearing. SHARYL ATTKISSON: You've told us about risks and side effects. Does
Tamoxifen have any other benefits besides the reduction of breast
cancer risk? 2 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm BERNADINE HEALY, MD: And it has many significant benefits. On the
one hand, we have seen that osteoporosis may be improved because it
has a favorable effect on bone metabolism. We also know that heart
disease may be favorably affected by Tamoxifen. SHARYL ATTKISSON: Well, thanks for helping us put this study into
perspective today, Dr. Bernadine Healy. VITAL STATISTICS Tamoxifen costs $80 to $100 a month. TOXIC MOLD Now, for our special look at your health and your home. We begin with
news about a recently-discovered threat that even many doctors don't
know about. It's a mold that can grow in damp basements, and if babies
breathe it, it can kill them. HealthWeek BETTINA GREGORY: Cathy Rogers spends lots of time these days
looking at pictures of her little granddaughter Katelynn, the light of her
life. Cathy recalls that just a few days after Katelynn was born she
started bleeding from the nose. CATHY ROGERS, KATELYNN'S GRANDMOTHER: And all you could
hear was Katelynn moaning. It was just a very deep, sad moan. It was
the worst sound you could ever hear. BETTINA GREGORY: Her family rushed her to Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland where Katelynn was diagnosed by Dr.
Dorr Dearborn - with a condition known as pulmonary hemorrhage. DORR DEARBORN, MD, RAINBOW BABIES & CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL:
This is bleeding in the lungs, and most commonly the babies come in
having had a major hemorrhage, a bleed, to the point where they were
coughing blood or having a major nosebleed, blood coming u BETTINA GREGORY: Two days later, Katelynn's lungs were clear of
blood, so doctors sent her home. CATHY ROGERS: Not even 12 hours of leaving the hospital she was ill
again, so they rushed her back to the hospital. BETTINA GREGORY: For four months Cathy and her daughter Christina
went back and forth to the hospital, until last July. CATHY ROGERS: I walked into the emergency room and Christina
came out of one of the back rooms crying and said she's not going to 3 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm make it this time. BETTINA GREGORY: That day, four-month-old Katelynn died. She isn't the only victim, though. Fourteen other babies in northeastern
Ohio have also died of this rare condition. Dr. Dearborn noticed a
common cause in his patients. DORR DEARBORN, MD: It was apparent that it was environment, because the children, when they returned to their homes after
recovering from a bleed, would then have another bleed. BETTINA GREGORY: Dr. Dearborn turned to Dr. Ruth Etzel and her
team at the Centers for Disease Control for help with this medical
detective work. RUTH ETZEL, MD, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: One thing
that was very unusual was that the homes in which the babies with
pulmonary bleeding lived were homes that had experienced chronic
water damage, either from flooding or from plumbing leaks, and w BRUCE JARVIS, PhD, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: Just as it's growing
in the laboratory media here, it will also grow in people's homes, and it
grows on material like paper and wallboard and materials like this. BETTINA GREGORY: The mold shoots spores into the air. Spores
formed in the basement can be circulated throughout the house by
some heating systems. Doctors say inhaling the spores may cause
minor respiratory problems in adults and older children, but b RUTH ETZEL, MD: These molds are particularly toxic to very young
infants under a year of age whose lungs are not fully developed and are
still growing quite rapidly. BETTINA GREGORY: Inspectors from the Cleveland Health Department
have fanned out in neighborhoods where the sick babies live --
checking for this toxic mold in water damaged houses. Sure enough,
they find it. HEALTH INSPECTOR: We're going to sample this location. We have the
seemingly black mold on a nice cardboard box that's been waterlogged,
and we have a nice environment for the growth of the mold on this box
here. BETTINA GREGORY: Experts are concerned this toxic mold is a
growing problem and not confined to just Ohio. RUTH ETZEL, MD: We've heard from doctors in about three quarters of
the states indicating that they have treated about 125 infants with 4 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm bleeding lungs. What proportion of those infants might be linked to
water damaged home environments or to these un BETTINA GREGORY: The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued
a statement alerting doctors who may not be familiar with the toxic
mold and the related deaths to be on the lookout. Experts say, even though they still need to do more research, they
already know enough to avoid the problem. DORR DEARBORN, MD: We can prevent it if the parents are aware of
the water problems in the house and they take care of those, and if they
get rid of the mold in the house, then they have a safe environment for
their child. "So, how's he doing?" BETTINA GREGORY: That's certainly the case for 17-month-old
Ryshon Johnson whose bleeding lungs are improving now that the
toxic mold has been cleaned up from the basement of his home. YVETTE ROPER, RYSHON'S MOTHER: I'm really thankful because I
could have been one of those mothers whose babies could be gone
right now. BETTINA GREGORY: Cathy Rogers has built a shrine to Katelynn's
memory. She's devoting her life to getting the word out that toxic
molds can kill. CATHY ROGERS: This disease is preventable. Katelynn Elizabeth
Dartaris should not have died. She should still be here. She's not here,
and I want to make sure she's the last baby that dies from this. SHARYL ATTKISSON: As we've heard, it is possible to protect babies
from the health effects of toxic mold. In its guidelines, the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following preventive
measures: After floods or plumbing leaks, promptly clean HEALTHFUL HINTS NANCY SNYDERMAN, MD: Hello. I'm Doctor Nancy Snyderman with
this week's Healthful Hint. When you're a child, taking a fall is usually no big deal. But as we
grow older and our bones grow more brittle, even minor spills can lead
to fractures and other serious injuries. Most falls happen at home, so that's where prevention should start.
Push obvious "stumbling blocks" like coffee tables and footstools out
of the line of traffic. 5 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm And while you're at it, throw out your "throw" rugs and tape down the
edges of larger rugs. Tape also comes in handy for securing cords that
could trip someone up. Then there's the bathroom. Place non-skid mats or abrasive strips on
the floor of the shower or tub. If there's an older person around, install
grab bars near the toilet and tub. And don't forget about lighting. Falls often happen because people
can't see where they're going. Bedrooms should have night lights or a
light switch within reach of the bed. As an extra precaution, try putting some glow-in-the-dark tape on the
top and bottom of stairways, a touch that should entertain the kids
while protecting their elders. With Healthful Hints, I'm Doctor Nancy Snyderman RADON SHARYL ATTKISSON: Now, a home health risk that scientists have
warned about for years. You can't see or smell it. But it's thought to be
the second leading cause of lung cancer: radon. Despite all the research
that's been done, there's still a controver ROBERT DAVIS: Suburbia, quiet streets, manicured lawns and homes
that serve as havens from a dangerous world. But lurking in the ground below, there's an insidious threat, a colorless,
odorless gas that's seeping into houses and killing as many as 30,000
Americans every year -- at least that's what the Environmental
Protection Agency is telling us, with ads PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Radon attaches itself to these
common dust particles that your family breathes in by the millions. ROBERT DAVIS: Such warnings are based largely on studies of
underground miners who were exposed to huge amounts of radon on
the job, and have high rates of lung cancer. JAN STOLWIJK, PHD, YALE MEDICAL SCHOOL: "A lot of radon is
undoubtedly very dangerous. There's no question about that." ROBERT DAVIS: The question is whether small amounts of radon,
amounts people are typically exposed to in their homes, are also
dangerous. Radon is measured in units called picocuries per liter. The miners in
those studies were blasted with hundreds or even thousands of 6 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm picocuries. By comparison, the average home has a level of only about
one picocurie. The EPA says that no level of LEONARD COLE, PhD, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY: "The pronouncement
leaves a lot to be desired in terms of evidence and justification." ROBERT DAVIS: Leonard Cole is the author of a book which questions
the EPA's scientific conclusions and its policies on radon. LEONARD COLE, PhD: "I think we ought to be very frank with the
public and say there's a lot about this we don't know. And we certainly
do not know that at 4, 6, or 8 picocuries per liter that we can be sure
you're risking anything. It's a theoretical r ROBERT DAVIS: For Cindy and Rob Greer, the theoretical risk from
radon had a real price tag of $600. That's what they had to pay to lower
their radon level when selling their home. CINDY GREER: "They came in and did a radon test which came back at
5.6, I believe, picocuries per liter, and that then told us that it was a
little bit high and in order to complete the sale of the house, we had to
put in a radon mitigation system." ROB GREER: "I think the adjective I best could describe it is just more
frustration because I recognize it more as a waste, because it's
something that we're paying to do that we don't think is adding any
value to our home or the home itself for futur ROBERT DAVIS: The Greer's were lucky, because reducing radon levels
typically costs $1200, twice what they paid. Radon testing and
remediation are not required by law, but they're automatically included
in many home sales. And the cut off level is alwa Mary Nichols heads up the EPA's radon program. MARY NICHOLS, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: "We are
always looking at the new science and we are certainly prepared to
change our recommendations if the consensus in the science
community supports making such a change." ROBERT DAVIS: But much of the new science flies in the face of the
EPA's current recommendations. Study after study measuring radon
exposure in people's homes has failed to find any link to lung cancer. JONATHAN SAMET, MD, JOHNS HOPKINS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC
HEALTH: "These are tough studies and they haven't given us a real
strong answer." ROBERT DAVIS: Radon expert Jonathan Samet is one who believes low
amounts are probably dangerous. But even he admits more research is
needed to reach any definitive conclusions. 7 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm JONATHAN SAMET, MD: "There are studies ongoing, some very
important, very large studies still to be completed. About the year
2000, all the data from around the world will be put together into one
very large analysis and then we'll get our very best pict ROBERT DAVIS: Until all the facts are in, families like the Greer's say
they shouldn't be pressured or forced to take action when common
sense tells them it's not necessary. ROB GREER: "When we put our kids in the car every day, we accept a
much greater risk of potential harm to them. And I think also I mean
we live a pretty safe lifestyle. No one smokes in the family, we don't
drink to excess, we exercise and we do tho CINDY GREER: "And we certainly wouldn't put our children at any
risk." SHARYL ATTKISSON: Keep in mind there is agreement that high levels
of radon are dangerous. To help figure out whether your home falls in
the danger zone, here's some advice from Ray Johnson, president of the
American Association of Radon Scientists and RAY JOHNSON, AM ASSOC OF RADON SCIENTISTS: There are several
devices which a homeowner could use themselves to conduct a radon
test, and you can find these typically in a hardware store. The first thing a homeowner should do is to do a short-term test,
meaning two to five days, with an activated charcoal detector. However, because radon varies from day to day and week to week and
during different seasons of the year, it would be helpful to follow up
that initial test with a long-term test that would then determine the
average radon level in the home over the p If you would like to hire a professional to do the radon test for you, you
may want to check that person's credentials with the state health
department, which maintains lists of people that are qualified to do
radon testing. HOME SAFETY SHARYL ATTKISSON: Most homes don't have high radon counts or
toxic mold. But there are more common health threats that affect nearly
every home. And joining us to review some of these is Chuck Hurley
of the National Safety Council. Let's begin with lead, which as been a problem, especially in homes
built before 1978 where the older paint was used. What do you
recommend? 8 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm CHUCK HURLEY, NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL: Well, it's essential in
older homes that the houses be properly tested for lead, that the work
to remove the lead be done by certified contractors, and that anytime a
child is exposed to lead that they be properly s SHARYL ATTKISSON: What about carbon monoxide? It's something
that has really come to the forefront in recent years where we're told we
need carbon monoxide detectors. Who does need those in their home? CHUCK HURLEY: Well, anyone that has a fireplace or a gas appliance
in the home or a kerosene heater where incomplete combustion can
occur. A detector really is available for in the $30 range. And the most
important thing is to remember to change t SHARYL ATTKISSON: Do you need one on every floor, a carbon
monoxide detector? CHUCK HURLEY: A carbon monoxide detector on every floor. SHARYL ATTKISSON: What about smoke detectors? We're talking
about fire safety now. CHUCK HURLEY: The same for smoke detectors. Smoke detectors
provide the most critical advantage, and that is time to get out of the
house, get the family away from the fire, call the fire service from next
door. Again, the most important piece of i SHARYL ATTKISSON: Would you recommend that every home have a
fire extinguisher? Is this really necessary? CHUCK HURLEY: Well, we do recommend that homes have fire
extinguishers for small fires only, and that they be placed at the door so
that you never have the fire between you and the exit, and that it should
be used properly according to the instructi SHARYL ATTKISSON: I noticed this one says ABC. What does that
mean? CHUCK HURLEY: That's for multiple purpose fires, which would be a
good choice for a home fire extinguisher. SHARYL ATTKISSON: What are some other major risks? If you're
looking, for example, to child-proof your home, some other things that
we haven't touched upon. CHUCK HURLEY: Well, it's important to lock up all of the poisons in
the house, all the household cleaners that might be very toxic to young
children. Keep them out of the way. And also, to make sure the kids are
protected from stairwells, that ther 9 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm SHARYL ATTKISSON: Because stairs are a huge cause of accidents. CHUCK HURLEY: Oh, stairs, particularly for the young and the elderly,
are a major risk in the home and should be treated with respect. SHARYL ATTKISSON: We have time for a final word of advice from
you. CHUCK HURLEY: Well, the National Safety Council really would like
to get rid of the word accident. Aristotle stated that accidents are
without cause. We know these risks are preventable. That's why this
information is so important. SHARYL ATTKISSON: Well, if you would like more information on
home safety or any other HealthWeek story, you can call our toll-free
number shown at the end of the program. Thanks, Chuck Hurley. CHUCK HURLEY: Thank you. DOCTOR'S CORNER DR. BRUCE DAN: I'm Dr. Bruce Dan. When it comes to your health, it
seems puttering around the yard would be one of the safest activities. But if you're one of those people who's always piling mulch around
your flowers and shrubs, here's something to consider: In a recent study
in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
researchers asked six people to shovel wood chip mulch for an hour or
two. The volunteers didn't use any special tools, just the shovels and
pitchforks familiar to any home gardener. After completing the chore, three volunteers reported health problems.
Not the blisters or back strain you might expect, but chest tightness,
muscle aches, and fever. The diagnosis? "Inhalation fever" a flu-like
syndrome usually seen among farmers and others who work around
plant dust. Researchers don't know exactly why the mulch triggered the illness.
But they note wood chips are a prime breeding ground for bacteria and
mold. Fortunately, inhalation fever isn't life threatening and usually goes
away within 24 hours. But knowing about it may come in handy if
you're looking for an excuse NOT to tidy up the yard. With Doctor's Corner, I'm Dr. Bruce Dan. 10 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm HEALTHY HOME SHARYL ATTKISSON: You probably have a long list of things you'd
like in your dream home, like lots of windows, maybe a big kitchen or
a stone fireplace. But what about the quality of air? With that in mind,
the American Lung Association of Virginia rece JIM SLADE: This may look like an ordinary house, but in reality, it's
quite different. Like all energy efficient buildings, it's sealed up tight.
But new technologies and products have been added that keep its
inside air as clean as a whistle. And th GARY THOMPSON: We liked the idea that it has air recirculated and it
is filtered and fresh air comes into the house. RENAE THOMPSON: We get a lot of colds, and knowing that the air is
clean and that some of that bacteria is being killed is a real plus for us. JIM SLADE: The Thompson's home is a disparate collection of new
products pulled together by Virginia builder Dick Collier. RICHARD COLLIER, R.E. COLLIER BUILDERS: Well, it was a challenge
at first. It really just took a lot of time and research before we started
the house because, actually, the products are available; however, it is a
matter of locating and finding them. JIM SLADE: Interior paint is a special formula. RICHARD COLLIER: It is a paint that has been developed for the healthy
house in that the paint does not give off any volatile organic chemicals. JIM SLADE: Rugs are recycled nylon with no chemical effect from the
adhesives. "Wow, this is a beautiful kitchen. Are you here to tell me this is healthy
too besides what good cooking we're going to see here?" RICHARD COLLIER: "Oh, absolutely, absolutely." JIM SLADE: There is no particle board in the counters or cabinets to
release fumes, and tile on the floor is chemical free. But the real secret
to improving air quality is two machines in the basement: the first
circulates air in and out of SLATOR TURNER, ENERTEC CORP: The other integral part is the Hepa
shield air filtration system and that's a high performance. It keeps about
99.7% of all the particulate matter out of the air. JIM SLADE: But for it to do that, the house, including all of its
ductwork, has to be sealed as tight as a drum. Does it work? 11 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm Kathy and Howard Burnette just moved into their healthy house
because Kathy has asthma. HOWARD BURNETTE: We're planning on being in this house until we
go to the graveyard, so we wanted to have a very efficient home and
then also one that would deal with her asthma. KATHY BURNETTE: The air just seems lighter and easier to breathe. JIM SLADE: Bottom line -- how much more does is cost to build? RICHARD COLLIER: It runs about 1.5% of the cost of the house to
achieve the indoor air quality and probably another 1.5% to get the
high efficiency. JIM SLADE: Or, in this case, an extra $4500. RICHARD COLLIER: However, the silver lining is that the cost of doing
this is actually paid back over three to four years with the energy
savings on the house. JIM SLADE: Gary and Renae Thompson think it's worth it. They can't
wait to give it a try. SHARYL ATTKISSON: And healthy homes aren't available just in
Virginia. Other local chapters of the Lung Association are building
their own versions across the country. That's all for this special edition of HealthWeek. Remember you can visit us throughout the week at our "home" on the
World Wide Web. To reach us, go to PBS Online at the Internet
address on your screen. That address is www.pbs.org. Next time on HealthWeek, we'll give you the latest on how to make
sure your doctor is "up to snuff." We'll also look at the controversy
over human growth hormone. The drug was designed to help short
children grow taller. But now many older adults think it may be their
"fountain of youth." Find out if that's really true or just a lot of wishful
thinking. Until then, I'm Sharyl Attkisson. Be well! ANNOUNCER: For general information about stories in this edition of
HealthWeek, please call 1-888-562-8300. Or write to the address on
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Mills Blvd, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Funding for HealthWeek is provided by the Howard Heinz Endowment 12 of 13 8/2/99 5:54 PM Program No. 150 http://pbs.bilkent.edu.tr/healthweek/150.htm and the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation. To order a video or a printed transcript of this program, call
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