If you are thinking about buying an older home, it is important to look at all Environmental Hazards that are present in older homes. Older homes typically can have asbestos, lead, and radon. Poor quality Indoor Air Quality can lead to environmental issues in an older home that can affect your Asthma and Allergies. Some of these factors are right in front of you while other are invisible and odorless. Let's look at a couple of these issues common in older homes.
Asbestos only becomes a problem when the fibers become airborne and are then inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos has been around for a long time and there is a lot of it out there. Recently, we inspected a 1960's home and found asbestos in the Kitchen floor tiles and behind an old Wall Heater Unit. If you decide to buy this type of home, it is important that it be inspected and tested for Asbestos. It is very common that you can find asbestos fibers in older homes in the plaster and drywall. Most homes built after 1978 are generally assumed to be Asbestos Free, but occasionally we find it in homes as late as 1982. Remember, always test to be sure. If you have any questions about Asbestos, go to the EPA Website for more information on Asbestos.
Lead has been common in plumbing since ancient times. In Roman Times, they even used it to make drinking goblets and water pipes from lead. I often wonder if the Roman Empire really fell because of lead poisoning. Most of the older homes have lead paint and lead soldered joints in the plumbing. I remember even doing lead soldering in plumbing in 1984. So, lead in plumbing can be just about anywhere because of the lead soldering went on for years. Lead Paint becomes a problem when paint chips are ingested by children, breathing sanding dust from the wood surfaces or demolition of lead painted walls. It is important to have your home tested for lead in the water and surfaces of the house. This is especially true if you have young children who like to chew on things. For additional information on lead, check with the EPA concerning this contaminant in your home.
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause cancer according to all the latest data. It enters the homes from the soil beneath the home due to a natural process of radioactive decay. If you go to the EPA Website, you will see the Radon Map which shows the local concentrations of Radon in the US. Is is important to have your home tested for Radon, this is odorless and invisible and you need to know about your home. If you have any questions about Radon, go to the EPA Website for the latest on Radon.
In conclusion, Asbestos, Lead and Radon are Environmental Hazards that can affect your Asthma and Allergies. These hazards should be tested by a licensed Environmental Inspector to see if they are in your home. If you are concerned about them, go to the EPA Website to learn more about them. If you feel that you are getting ill from these Environmental Hazards, contact your Doctor immediately.
If you have any questions, feel from to call us or visit our website for more information.
Mr. Artemiss is available as a professional speaker to help educate your community or group function on Asthma, Allergies, Mold, Indoor Air Quality and the Chemically Injured. Visit our website and sign up for our Free Air Conditioning Filter Change Reminder Service.
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