Consider Lead and Asbestos Issues When Purchasing an Older Home

Asbestos and lead are two of the most important things that you should consider in buying homes. Although these two things poses no immediate threat to your family but prolonged exposure can be damaging to you and to them. For recently constructed homes, this may not be an issue. However, if you have homes that are over 20 years old, you might want to consider having your homes inspected for this.

Asbestos and lead were popular back in the 1930s. They were considered good construction materials since they pose different qualities that are important in building homes. However, they were slowly banned as more and more people have contracted asbestos and lead related diseases.

To know more about them, here are the details:

Asbestos

This mineral fiber was popularly used for insulation. Asbestos is highly resistant to heat. Because of this, they were also used for fireproofing. However, this mineral was directly linked to various health problems. One of which is lung cancer.

Asbestos poses direct threat when fibers are disturbed. They can scatter in the air and it gets dangerous when inhaled. Although you really do not have to worry much about it because the signs and symptoms will not show right away. As mentioned in the EPA website, it would normally take 20 to 30 years for the signs and symptoms to show.

Since you cannot identify asbestos problem with your naked eye, you may need professional help. Consider having your homes inspected for it before buying them.

Lead

Back then, lead was famous paint. It was known for its ability to withstand the effects of weatherization. It was not also affected by heat that is why it was also used for painting radiators. In fact, lead paints were used almost every part of the house.

However, lead was banned in 1978. This is because exposures to it can cause various nervous and cardiovascular diseases. People feared its effects, especially for the kids whose metabolism is quicker than adults. If this happens, serious effects to their health can be observed almost immediately, depending on the amount of lead absorbed in the body. It can also poison humans when blood levels reaches up to 25 micrograms.

Lead paints should be removed and replaced with much safer paints. If you cannot distinguish one from the other, you need to hire a professional to do the checking. If there is suspected lead exposure at home, you may want to have your families check for lead contents in the blood.

You have to be cautious about the homes you buy. Before you even consider purchasing them, it is your duty to know more about the property and its features.

If you are not so sure about it, never forget to have the place inspected. Make sure you hire a licensed inspector.

Moreover, if you are living in a 50-year-old home and you are not aware of these things, then it is about time you act on it. It is better late than never.