Common Hazards to Check for in Older Homes

When looking at older homes, you will sometimes need to do a little extra work to make sure everything is safe. New homes usually do not contain high levels of contaminants - but buying new is not always an option for many soon-to-be homeowners.

When you arm yourself with the information you need to root out homes with toxic chemicals, you can avoid buying a place that presents hazards to your health. Here are 3 common problems to look out for:

Lead

The risk of exposure to lead paint is well-known, with public organizations warning against it for decades. However, some homes still house the potentially-deadly element, known to cause:

• hearing problems

• slow growth

• learning disorders in infants and children 

The use of lead paint in U.S. homes was banned in 1978, which means that homes that have been built since then should not contain traces of lead. However, homes built prior to 1940 have an 87 percent chance of lead contamination. If you are considering buying an older home, especially one with a lot of chipped paint on the exterior, interior or on window sills, be sure to request a lead test on top of your much-needed inspection to confirm that everything is safe and that there are no traces of lead.

Radon

Radon is another element that has the potential to cause harm. Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally occurs in the soil in certain parts of the country. Experts estimate that as much as one in 15 American homes have radon levels high enough to cause harm. Radon exposure can cause lung cancer, even in people who do not smoke.

The difference in pressure between outside and inside causes the home to act like a vacuum, sucking the radon gas inward. Some building techniques can minimize the radon accumulation by as much as 50 percent. Ask if a home is radon resistant, particularly if it is located in an area with more naturally-occurring radon.

Asbestos

Unlike lead and radon, asbestos is a manmade fiber that was once used in insulation and other home products. It is highly flame-retardant, but breathing in debris from the fibers could cause cancer. Asbestos was most commonly used in home-building and home improvement from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Finding a home that does not contain asbestos is your best bet to minimize exposure. However, if a particular home has asbestos, it may not always be harmful by definition. The condition of the insulation determines the threat. If the asbestos is well-kept and untouched, you may not suffer any effects from it. In some cases, removing asbestos is actually worse than leaving it alone, because the removal stirs up the fibers into the air in the home. In any case, this is not a decision to be made lightly, and many home buyers choose to avoid dealing with such an issue.

When you plan to buy your dream home, you should always be careful to check for any health hazards - especially if you are buying an older home. With this information, you can check older homes for lead or asbestos, and find ways to reduce your exposure to radon if it is present. When in doubt, ask your real estate agent what their thoughts are when viewing potential homes. They will have the experience and knowledge of the area to know how to proceed.