Health Hazards to Be Aware of in Older Homes

 Guest Blogger #460, Entry #1086, April 11, 2012

Some of the most beautiful homes are older ones. They seem to have such character and presence. If you’re someone who has been fortunate enough to own your dream house and it is one of the “older models”, the good news is that in many cases, you’re in a house that’s built to last. The bad news is that, like anything in life, there can be complications that arise due to the wear and tear of time; this would include certain health hazards that tend to be pretty common in older homes.

Are you wondering what some of them are? Here’s a list.

Determine if your older home has any hazards

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Cracked Foundations

A lot of older homes were made out of cinder blocks or cement. Over time, due to weather, road construction or even work down on the home itself, cracks and leaks may occur. If water or mold get into those cracks, that can lead to very expensive structural damage. While they are sealants that can be applied to these cracks, they tend to be only a temporary solution. It’s wise to consult with a house inspector or contractor so that they can assess the magnitude of the damage.

Gas Leaks

Did you know that radon is the number two cause of lung cancer in the United States? This is another potential result that comes with having cracks in your foundation. It is estimated that one in every 15 homes is Radon-vulnerable and so whether you sense it or not, if you haven’t had the home thoroughly inspected before you made the purchase, contact a contractor to do a formal analysis.

Septic Tanks

One of the greatest challenges that comes with living in an older home is that plumbing system usually needs an upgrade. This means that there are usually cesspools and septic tanks somewhere on the property. Depending on how serious the issue is, you may need to have the septic tank drained or you might get the recommendation to it permanently removed.

Asbestos

Most of us are pretty familiar with what Asbestos is. It’s the insulation, especially in older homes, that is commonly used under vinyl floors and around radiators and water pipes. The reason why it’s a health threat is because upon contact, it sends up little puffs of toxins into the air. It’s actually something that remodelers cannot touch without having a permit. However, many of them recommend that unless there is some major damage with the insulation or what it’s attached to, it’s usually best to simply leave it alone.

When considering an older home look at these hazards first

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Lead paint

If you ignore this potential health hazard, you should probably look into some 2012 Medicare Advantage plans, just for safe measure. Lead paint is something that was relatively commonly used, both when it comes to the interior and exterior of homes, up until the late 1970s. Over time, this paint can chip and fall leaving particles of it in reach for little children and pets to put into their mouths. In kids, this can lead to damage of the nervous system, hearing problems and headaches. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure, reproductive issues and muscle and joint pain. Currently as many as one in 11 children have a high level of lead in their systems. If you haven’t repainted your home since moving in, contact an interior decorator or contractor to have your paint evaluated; especially for your children’s sake.

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