Lead & Asbestos Overview

Lead and asbestos are naturally occurring minerals that were used in construction materials for homes and commercial properties up to the 1980s. Though occurring naturally in the environment, direct exposure to lead and asbestos can have significant life-threatening side effects which is why, if you are purchasing a home built pre-1980, it is important to have it tested for lead and asbestos.

Before 1978, lead-based paints and pipes were extremely common in homes due to lead’s malleability compared to other metals. However, it has since been shown that exposure to lead contaminates drinking water and air quality, resulting in many health risks to small children and pregnant mothers.

Asbestos was also a common construction material used throughout the 1970s, used primarily in roofing, insulation, tiles, and, perhaps more recognizably, in popcorn ceilings. While harmless if intact, if asbestos-laden materials are damaged, the particles from the asbestos are released into the air. Breathing in these particles can cause life-threatening health complications, including lung cancer.

Specialty Inspection Services

Testing For Lead & Asbestos

If you are purchasing a home built prior to 1980, it is crucial to your and your family’s safety that you have it tested for lead and asbestos. Testing for lead and asbestos is a relatively simple 3-step process:

Visual Survey

Your inspector will perform a visual survey of the exterior and interior of your home. The inspector will closely examine every surface, looking for the presence of potential lead paint and asbestos-containing materials.

Sample Collection

After the inspector completes the survey, they will safely collect samples of paint and other suspicious materials to be sent off for testing. A water sample may also be collected to be tested for the presence of lead.

Sample Analysis

Once samples have been safely collected and contained, they will be sent to an EPA-certified lab to be tested. After samples have been delivered, they will be analyzed by the lab, with results being made available within 24 hours.