Home Buying Hazards: Asbestos and Lead-based Paint

Asbestos was utilized throughout the 20th century as a major form of piping, insulation and flooring, and is a fibrous mineral acclaimed for its fire resistant qualities.  Anyone seeking to remodel homes prior to 1980 should be aware that asbestos exposure can cause serious health concerns for you and your family. There are now many resources available for citizens to remove the material in a safe manner.  A devastating form of asbestos cancer is known as mesothelioma. This disease has varied effects on victims, but patient prognosis is usually poor. Since asbestos illness has a latency period that can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, it is expected that cases will rise of the next few years and peak in 2015. Although undisturbed asbestos usually does not present a danger, steps should be taken to remove the material. The removal process must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are not only trained in handling hazardous materials, but follow state and federal regulations. There are now many healthy options that replace the need for asbestos. The use of recycled building materials such as cotton fiber and lcynene, provide peace of mind and lower energy costs. These green alternatives not only allow for a safe living environment free of toxic materials, but can lower your carbon footprint and help achieve a healthy lifestyle. (Source: Mesothelioma Cancer Center)


Lead-based paint contains a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and was banned for residential use in 1978. Exposure to lead can result in health concerns for both children and adults. Children under six years of age are most at risk because their developing nervous systems are especially vulnerable to lead's effects and because they are more likely to ingest lead due to their more frequent hand-to-mouth behavior. If covered and undisturbed, lead-based paint is harmless, but when molested during removal or construction, the dust of this paint is very dangerous. (Source: jjkeller.com)