California home sellers are required to disclose any known environmental hazards, but most homeowners are not aware of what may be hiding in the attic or crawl spaces. Homebuyers should do their own due diligence to determine what if any known environmental hazards are present, and how they can be mitigated. 

The most common hazard

found in local properties built before 1990 is asbestos. Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally that have been mined for their usefulness as thermal insulation and the properties.

The most common items in the duct wrapping on heating and air conditioning systems, attic, ceiling and wall insulation and insulation on hot water pipes. Asbestos that has been sprayed on ceilings often has a spongy “cottage cheese” texture.

Intact or sealed asbestos is not harmful unless it becomes damaged and friable, meaning the materials have become crushed and have a higher potential to release fibers into the air and inhaled.

Homeowners should have a HVAC professional check attic ducting to determine if it is made of or wrapped with asbestos, and look for damaged areas that may create a hazardous condition. Find out if your property contains asbestos by taking samples of potential asbestos containing materials and having them tested by a qualified laboratory.

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead. Lead based paint that is peeling, chipping or cracking is a hazard and needs attention, especially on surfaces children can chew including windowsills, doors, stairs and bannisters.

If you have old lead

or galvanized piping in your home, install a water treatment system, use bottled which has been standing in the pipes for more than 6 and then, for about 15 seconds more. Because lead is more soluble in hot water, do not drink or prepare food using hot water from the tap.

Mold has been a hot button

for home inspectors after costly law suits brought mold into the public eye. Molds are simple, microscopic organisms present virtually everywhere, indoors and out, and everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm.

Common sources of mold in the home include leaky roofs, sprinkler spray hitting the house, plumbing leaks and steam from bathing or showers. You may suspect that you have mold if you see discolored patches or cottony or speckled growth on walls or if you smell an earthy or musty odor. Inspect your home regularly for signs and sources of indoor moisture and mold.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora 626 914-2904 adrianad@podley.com