Nearly every property for sale has some sort of environmental hazard associated with it. These hazards are often overlooked by both investors and real estate brokers alike. They are often discovered however by a thorough home inspection, if the person doing the inspection knows what to look for. Here are some of the most prevalent environmental hazards that are seen in houses – especially older ones – today.
The Problem of Asbestos
The use of asbestos in various building materials was previously very common. In essence this material is a type of stringy mineral that is resistant to flame, and was utilized as building an insulation materials in many buildings. The material is often seen in ceiling tiles, insulation, and even some drywall. Unfortunately many breathing ailments including the lung cancer mesothelioma and the breathing condition of asbestosis are associated with this material. Based on this information, the U.S. government made it illegal to use it in new buildings. However, houses constructed before that time will often still have some asbestos in their construction. If you see asbestos, make sure to have it professionally checked out to determine if its condition is poor enough to warrant concern.
The Occurence of Lead in the Home
Older homes will often have a signficant amount of lead, which is another potential health and environmental hazard. Lead is most often seen in the paint of older houses and in the piping. The paint was found on both the interior and exterior of the properties, and is most often found on windows or doors. Unfortunately, lead was found to be a toxic substance, and one that remains in the body long after a person has been exposed to it. Exposure to the lead paint is often felt by children and the elderly, and the resultant health complications can vary widely. They can include weakness, anemia, constipation, the go up in blood pressure. If lead paint is ingested, it can lead to damage to the brains of the kids, potentially causing reduced intelligence, impaired memory, delayed motor development, impaired hearing and balance. The use of lead based paint was made against the law in 1978, and thanks to the Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (1992), sellers must tell the buyers of the existence of the paint in the home, and buyers get at least 10 days to inspect for it on their own. Considering all the potential health and environmental hazards associated with it, taking the time to inspect for lead paint if you suspect it is well worth the time.
Asbestos and lead based paint are two of the most common health and environmental hazards that are found in older properties. They are valid concerns, and if you suspect either lead paint or asbestos to be present in your next potential purchase, it is definitely worth investigating further.
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