Some individuals choose to purchase older homes for a variety of reasons such as their size, aesthetic appeal, and more. However, there are plenty of problems that go along with older homes that many are not aware from, such as radon in the basement, cracked foundation, and others. Before making the final decision to purchase an older home, homeowners should consider five potential health hazards of older homes.
Radon
Known as the second leading cause of lung cancer, this is a naturally occurring gas in our environment. Cracks in the foundation are usually the way radon enters the home, and 1 in 15 houses in the country have a high level of this gas, according to the EPA. Unlike new construction homes, where Radon detectors often come standard, older homes need to be tested. If there is a dangerous level of Radon found, you may spend a significant sum of money installing ventilation and sealing the basement floor.
Cracked Foundation
A lot of materials and processes were used in older homes that leave them open to cracked foundations. Many homes were not sealed on the exterior side of the home, leaving them susceptible to cracking. Moreover, materials such as cinder blocks and cement tend to crack and leave over a period of time. All of this can lead to mildew, mold, and even termites and rot.
Lead Pipes
Replaced in the 1940s, lead remained present in the mid-1980s in the solder that was used to join copper pipes. So even if the pipes themselves are not made of lead, there can still be traces of the substance within the home. Exposure to lead over time can cause a number of health issues including lead poisoning and chronic headaches.
Lead-Based Paint
Typically, even if lead-based paint was used on the exterior of the home, it was painted over several times, encapsulating it in a Latex-based product. However, over time, the paint can crack and chip and become airborne which can then be inhaled or ingested by child and adult alike. This is a caution to be aware of in older homes.
Asbestos
This sturdy but hazardous material was commonly used in composite roofing material, cement-and-fiber siding, in vinyl floor coverings, water pipes, and to insulate boilers and furnaces. When asbestos is cracked it becomes friable and thus easily inhaled or ingested. Older homes built prior to the 1980s may have trace amounts.
Potential homeowners should be aware of these potential health hazards of older homes. Finding out about the home, when it was built, and any remodeling can help you avoid or fix the hazards.