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7.2.3 RADON Radon is a naturally-occurring, odorless, invisible gas. Natural radon levels vary and are closely related to geologic formations. Radon may enter buildings through basement sumps or other openings. The US EPA has prepared a map to assist National, State, and local organizations to target their resources and to implement radon-resistant building codes. The map divides the country into three Radon Zones, Zone 1 being those areas with the average predicted indoor radon concentration in residential dwellings exceeding the EPA Action limit of 4.0 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). It is important to note that the EPA has found homes with elevated levels of radon in all three zones, and the EPA recommends site specific testing in order to determine radon levels at a specific location. However, the map does give a valuable indication of the propensity of radon gas accumulation in structures. Radon sampling was not requested as part of this assessment. According to the US EPA, the radon zone level for the area is Zone 3, which has a predicted average indoor screening level of less than 2 pCi/L, below the action level of 4.0 pCi/L set forth by the EPA. 7.2.4 DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND LEAD IN DRINKING WATER The Manteca Public Works Department supplies potable water to the subject property. The most recent water quality report states that lead levels in the areas water supply were 1.4 parts per billion and therefore are well within standards established by the USEPA. 7.2.5 MOLD/INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, which can often be seen in the form of discoloration, frequently green, gray, white, brown or black. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed. As such, interior areas of buildings characterized by poor ventilation and high humidity are the most common locations of mold growth. Building materials including drywall, wallpaper, baseboards, wood framing, insulation, and carpeting often play host to such growth. Mold spores primarily cause health problems through the inhalation of mold spores or the toxins they emit when they are present in large numbers. This can occur primarily when there is active mold growth within places where people live or work. Mold, if present, may or may not visually manifest itself. Neither the individual completing this inspection, nor AEI has any liability for the identification of mold-related concerns except as defined in applicable industry standards. In short, this Phase I ESA should not be construed as a mold survey or inspection. AEI Consultants observed interior areas of the subject building in order to identify the significant presence of mold. AEI did not note obvious visual or olfactory indications of the presence of mold, nor did AEI observe obvious indications of significant water damage. As such, no bulk sampling of suspect surfaces was conducted as part of this assessment and no additional action with respect to mold appears to be warranted at this time. However, AEI observed a pool of liquid within one of the subject property offices. Refer to Section 7.1 for further discussion. This activity was not designed to discover all areas which may be affected by mold growth on the subject property. Rather, it is intended to give the client an indication if significant (based Project No. 297376 AE1 June 22, 2011 Page 29 Consultants