Whether you’re planning on buying or selling real estate in Central PA, there are several environmental hazards that you should be aware of.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has put together this list describing some of the most common hazards that you should be concerned with:

Indoor Mold: This is common in certain areas of the home because it thrives in dark, damp places.  It is dangerous because it can be growing unabated inside walls, air ducts, attics and basements.  A home may have a mold problem if there was flooding, broken pipes, or a leaky roof—not only do these issues cause mold, but they also cause other significant structural issues.  Mold can cause respiratory issues such as asthma as well as irritate allergies.

Asbestos: This mineral is a common additive to construction materials made prior to 1978 when the Environmental Protection Agency began restricting its use.  Because of its fire resistance and ability to contain heat, it was used in many parts of the home building materials, including flooring, roofing, and insulation applications.  When materials containing asbestos are disturbed, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, which can cause severe health problems.

Urea-Formaldehyde: This is a widely used colorless, pungent-smelling chemical that is present in many modern building materials and is also a natural byproduct of combustion.  It is most commonly seen in pressed wood products such as fiberboard, particleboard, and hardwood plywood paneling.  While urea-formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals, its effects on people are inconclusive.  It has been shown to trigger attacks in people with asthma.

Carbon Monoxide: This toxic gas is both odorless and colorless, meaning it can harm or kill you without you being aware.  It is a natural byproduct of combustion, so it can be produced by your home’s furnace or any fuel burning appliance.  Lower levels of exposure can cause flu-like symptoms, but high levels can be fatal.

Radon Gas: This radioactive gas is odorless and colorless, meaning it can only be detected through testing.  It is a naturally occurring substance emitted by the decay of radioactive particles in rocks and soil underground.  In well-ventilated areas, radon causes little threat, but in confined, poorly ventilated areas, such as basements, it can accumulate to dangerous levels.  Exposure to radon gas has been linked with causing cancer.

Lead-Based Paint: Such paint was widely used in homes built before 1978, and lead was used as a drying agent as well as a pigment.  Exposure to lead-based paint most commonly occurs from improper removal through scraping, sanding or burning.  Homes with lead pipes can also create an exposure risk.  Elevated levels of lead in the body can cause serious damage to many organs.  As a result, consumers looking to buy or rent a home built prior to 1978 must be provided with a lead-based paint disclosure. 

If your looking for personal service and have questions regarding homes and environmental hazards in Lancaster PA, York PA, Harrisburg PA, Lebanon PA, Hershey PA and Cumberland County, be sure to connect with one of our agents at www.cbselectpros.com.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has local offices serving all of Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Cumberland County PA.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not meant as professional or medical advice.  If you are concerned that a home has any environmental hazards, Coldwell Banker Select Professionals urges you to have it professionally tested.