Depending on the age of the home and the materials used to construct it, it may have a variety of risks. Asbestos, radon, and lead paint are obvious risks, but other issues like mold and poor Chinese drywall may also cause major difficulties for homes. If you are purchasing a new home, you must take precautions to safeguard your health and that of your family. There are several precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your new house, and we’ll go through a few of them below.
Testing
When buying a new house, a home inspection is critically necessary. A thorough house inspection should take several hours and include a thorough examination of the whole structure, including the basement and attic. The inspector should write a report outlining his or her findings, including any possible risks or issues with the house. There are many reasons why you should get the building tested for lead and other dangerous components because it is important for your safety. You may want to contact specialists who specialize in these sectors to evaluate the property if it is an older home or you have cause to suspect specific concerns such as asbestos or lead-based paint. If the residence does not have radon abatement techniques in place or has not been tested lately, a radon test may be necessary.
Lead Danger
Lead-based paints were phased out in the early 1980s, although lead-based paint can still be found in older homes, especially on timber joinery and weatherboards. The biggest danger occurs when the paint is scraped or sanded off. Appropriate safety equipment must be used, and the paint must be collected and disposed of properly. Simple lead-testing kits are available at various hardware stores and paint retailers.
Asbestos Danger
Vinyl floor tiles, roofing and siding shingles, and wall and attic insulation all contain asbestos.
Microscopic asbestos fibers are discharged into the air when asbestos-containing items are broken. These fibers are easily inhaled and can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma, a malignant tumor that develops on the lungs’ lining.
Up to the 1990s, asbestos was employed in a variety of construction materials. Fiber cement claddings, textured coatings (especially on ceilings), certain roofing goods, and linoleum flooring backing materials were among them. When these materials are in good shape and haven’t been tampered with, they pose little health danger. Any future maintenance or adjustments that upset these materials, however, may release asbestos fibers, which can be harmful if inhaled.
Asbestos removal specialists may be required, and asbestos may only be disposed of in specific landfills. A good inspector will collect samples for testing and provide recommendations for improvement. If an asbestos contractor is necessary, the inspector can confirm that the contractor followed the correct methods. To avoid a conflict of interest, the inspector and contractor should come from two distinct companies.
It May Have Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are a group of chemicals that have been identified as possible human carcinogens. Other potential health concerns include nasal, lung, and skin irritation in individuals who have been exposed to PCBs over an extended length of time.
PCBs remain in the environment for a long time and can accumulate in the food chain.
PCB compounds were prohibited in the United States in 1979 due to their harmful effects on human and environmental health. An estimated 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs were used in items like microscope fluids, electrical insulators, capacitors, and electric goods like television sets and refrigerators from the 1920s until their prohibition. Because of its insulating, fire-resistant, and dielectric qualities, PCBs were frequently utilized in electrical equipment. Some electrical supply and telecommunications equipment, including transformers, generators, and capacitors, may still contain polychlorinated biphenyl-containing material.
It Is a Must to Do a Research
Many detached houses and flats constructed between the 1990s and 2005 contain design and construction flaws that can lead to leaks and damage to frames and linings. More complex designs with so-called “monolithic” claddings without a drainage cavity are more prone to the issue. The majority of these claddings have a plastered surface put over a sheet material, making leaks and degradation difficult to detect. Repairs might be rather pricey. Inquire with the sellers about any leaks they’ve had, and if so, whether an intrusive inspection was performed and any faults fixed.
You may reduce risk and increase safety for everyone involved by being aware of potentially hazardous materials, their likely locations, and the legislation controlling their removal. Checking for hazardous items in your house before buying it will save you not just money and documentation, but also your peace of mind and the health of everyone in your family.
