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Environmental Issues Smart home buyers today schedule a home inspection by a skilled inspector and include many of the common tests for environmental concerns, such as lead paint, radon, asbestos, UFFI (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), septic (Title V certification) and ask about and inspect for undesirable features such as
underground oil storage tanks.  In Massachusetts, sellers are only required to disclose lead based paint and urea formaldehyde foam insulation and comply with Title V requirements for private septic systems. Buyer's Brokers understand the importance of these inspections to home buyers and work to protect them from unexpected issues that can affect the cost and desirability of their home purchase.
Lead Paint - to meet state and federal requirements, every seller and real estate agent must provide a Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification before the signing of a Purchase and Sale agreement. Homes built before 1978 are likely to have lead based paint in them which present a risk of lead poisoning, particularly to children. Radon - is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in rock deposits. When it accumulates in your home it can build up to dangerous levels which can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Radon - Better Business Bureau, Consumer Information Series Publication
Pending Legislation to Require Radon Testing - Boston Sunday Globe
UFFI - is a type of insulation that was sprayed into houses in the mid 1970's. Although it is a good insulator, UFFI can emit a toxic gas. The state banned UFFI in 1979. By now, most gas has been dissipated and it is not considered as harmful
Septic - The state environmental code requires inspection and certification of septic systems under Title V no more than two years prior to the transfer of title. Weather conditions may postpone the inspection up to six months after transfer.
Title V Compliance - Boston Globe
VISTA Information Services, Inc. is the nation's leader in providing risk-related information on residential real estate to professionals such as engineers, real estate agents, lenders, insurors and the public. Their web site, www.NearMyHome.com presents nearby hazards information through interactive maps. Home buyers today worry about the effect of hazards on their health and investment and appreciate this quick and easy way to learn more about their area of interest. They can even search by zip code. Their web site databases are based on information from government sources. Their reports on environmental damage include leaking underground storage tanks, solid waste landfills, and other toxic sites. The Environmental Protection Administration also maintains an official repository of hazardous and toxic waste sites, site inspections, preliminary assessments and remedial status dating back to 1983 referred to as CERCLIS (The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System. The records include active Superfund sites. |
