Top Three Environmental Concerns to Look For When Buying a Home

Environmental problems in and around the home have become of increasing concern to home buyers. Certain building materials that were previously used are now known to be potentially dangerous to our health. Some hazards can be easily seen by visual examination, while others need special tests performed to find or measure the scope of the problem. Sellers have an obligation to honestly answer home buyers’ questions about environmental hazards in their home.

The three most common risks in and around homes are radon, lead and asbestos.

Radon is present in approximately one out of 15 homes in the country. Testing is best conducted in the basement where radon levels are the highest. Mitigation systems can reduce the level of radon to a safer level if a high count is found upon testing.

Lead paint is found in about one third of houses built between 1940 and 1960. Lead paint was banned in 1978 because it was found to be harmful to humans, particularly children. Lead paint must be properly removed or encapsulated for its effects to be negated.

Asbestos was utilized in a variety of ways in homes until it was discovered to be a risk for cancer and banned in 1979. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is what they call ‘friable’ — that is, loose or crumbling. Asbestos removal is an involved process to be conducted by asbestos-removal professionals.

Leaking underground fuel oil or gas storage tanks can also be a major concern for home buyers and sellers. Oil or gas that has leaked from a tank can be an expensive remediation process.

If any and all of the above situations, consult the necessary professionals and seek to fully understand the scope of the situation and its related cost.