I was talking with a first time home buyer today and she asked this questions.

Her parents had talked about Radon and Lead Based Paint.

A decade ago, environmental issues were rarely a part of the typical real estate transaction.  Today, however, it is common for inspections relating to environmental concerns to be a part of most sales contracts.  In many states, seller disclosure regulations will reveal knowledge of certain toxic substances on a property.  Keep in mind, though, it is up to the buyer to pursue environmental inspections and tie any findings to the purchase offer.

Beyond Home Inspection

Home inspectors who primarily focus on structural integrity and working systems might not be qualified to conduct specialized inspections for radon, asbestos and lead paint – substances that in recent years have emerged as the most common environmental concerns for home buyers.  Testing for these substances typically requires a specialist who will charge a fee beyond the basic cost of a general home inspection.

A Few Quick Facts on Radon

• Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas.
• It is a proven carcinogen and ranks second only to cigarette smoking as a cause of lung cancer.
• If you have a radon problem, it is usually easy and inexpensive to abate.
• There are a number of radon sampling devices that you can buy, or you can have a professional company conduct tests.
• Radon is measured in pico Curies per liter (pCi/L).  The EPA recommends that remedial action be taken when a residence exceeds a radon level of four pCi/L.
• Want to know more — http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

Asbestos

• Many older homes have asbestos insulation in walls and ceilings, wrapped around hot water pipes or in exterior shingles.
• Is it dangerous? If you suspect there may be asbestos in your home, you should have a professional  inspection.  Generally, asbestos is considered a health hazard when the material is friable, that is, when it crumbles, releasing tiny fibers into the air.
• Removal of asbestos can be an expensive process and must be conducted by trained and certified professionals.  But the presence of asbestos may not be a health hazard, and in some cases, an asbestos hazard can be isolated without removal.
• You can learn more at this link  http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

Lead-Based Paint

Approximately three-quarters of the housing in the United States built before 1978 (about 64 million dwellings) contain lead-based paint.  When properly maintained and managed, this paint possesses little risk.  However, 1.7 million children have blood-lead levels above safe limits, mostly due to exposure to lead-based paint hazards at home.

• Affects Brain – Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to the brain and create reduced intelligence and behavioral problems.  Lead can also damage other organs and cause abnormal fetal development in pregnant women.  People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soild or paint chips with lead in them.
• Often Found in Pre-1978 Housing  – The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction ACT of 1992 directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure people receive information needed to protect themselves from lead-based paint hazards.
• Rule — Home buyers and renters must receive information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards when they buy or rent housing built before 1978.  Some housing, such as efficiency apartments, dormitories, vacation rentals, adult housing and foreclosure sales are not covered. 
• Pamphlet Available — For a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, sample disclosure forms, or the rule itself, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse (NLIC) at (800) 424 5323, or TDD (800) 526 5456 for the hearing impaired.  You may also send your request by fax to (202) 659-1192 or by e-mail to ehc@nsc.org. 
• You can also go to this link:  http://www.epa.gov/lead/

Looking to purchase in Cincinnati, Ohio?  Contact me to let me know what your prefered location is.  Mason, Deerfield Twp., West Chester, Liberty Twp. or surrounding areas.