Understanding Lead and Mold Hazards in Your New Home

If you’ve recently upgraded your living situation by moving out of your old home—first of all, congratulations! That’s a tremendous accomplishment. However, your new home might just be “old” as well. While you’re swinging the measuring tape looking for the perfect brown curtains or contemplating which paint color complements the hues of the room when the crisp sun hugs you every morning, an important concern is often overlooked: What really lingers within these fortified walls?

And no, I’m not talking about horrifying ghost stories (hopefully), but rather the substances that lie beneath the surface, passed down by tenants or past renovations. Any home built prior to 1978 may not just be hiding rigid insulation; it may be lined with lead-based paint or subtly harboring molds in damp corners. These two issues are the “ghost-like, invisible hazards” most commonly found in buildings across the country. Does this entail the end of the world? No, at least not for the average homeowner. But unfortunately, these dangers are silently compromising safety without anyone noticing.

The Importance of Awareness

Why does it matter? In most cases, when lead-based paint on your windows, railings, ceilings, doors, and trim is intact, it usually doesn’t arouse concerns. However, when paint chips and peels, the remnants that are produced as dust enter the air, disturbing the quality of what we breathe and ingest. The very family members you hoped to nurture in these homes, especially infants and children, may be exposed to serious risks.

Lead exposure can lead to lower IQ, developmental delays, and even behavioral issues in children. Adults can experience fertility issues, high blood pressure, and, in some situations, nerve damage. Even more alarming, pregnant women may unknowingly transfer lead contents to their unborn children. These risks may not alarm our senses, being invisible to the naked eye and undetectable by smell, but that doesn’t negate their existence.

The Dangers of Mold

What about molds? These unwelcome guests flourish wherever excess moisture lingers, whether it’s a dripping old pipe, a leaking roof, or the damp shadows of a basement. As soon as it sprouts, it stretches its wings and claims dominance over the floors and walls like a contagious disease.

Some health symptoms of mold exposure can include coughing, sneezing, congestion, and itchy skin or eyes. For individuals with chronic respiratory issues such as asthma, their conditions may worsen in these homes. Mold can create discomfort, making you feel better outside but sick inside your home. Even if the mold is not chemically toxic, it reduces the value of the home, and long-term exposure can impact those with pre-existing illnesses. In certain situations, landlords or property owners may face legal challenges when these molds are uncovered by tenants due to health hazards.

What Should You Do?

So, what’s the upside? Don’t panic, but do proceed with caution. Here’s what you should actually do about it.

Stay Informed

Inquire about the state of your home by asking your landlord, seller, or real estate agent. Some guiding questions may be: “Has the home ever been properly examined for lead or mold?” and “Were certified professionals involved in the renovation process, and were lead-safe work practices exercised?”

Conduct Lead Check Swab Tests

Lead Check Swabs are fast and easy to use, available on the CertRebel website. Rubbing the swab on the surface of the paint will show a color that indicates whether lead is present. If it turns red, lead may be lingering in your home. CertRebel offers EPA Lead Renovator Certification Classes, teaching how to conduct proper testing and interpret the results.

Look for Signs of Mold

Keep your senses heightened and be aware of any musty smells, dark patches, peeling paint, and visible water damage, past or present.

Contact Professionals Before Committing to Renovations

If your home tests positive for lead or visible mold, don’t get ahead of yourself. EPA-certified contractors who use safe containment and cleanup procedures need to be contacted to fix any lead paint issues that affect renovations. Similarly, mold removal should be performed by licensed professionals trained in abatement and personal protection.

Next Steps

At CertRebel, we’ve helped thousands of contractors, landlords, homeowners, and property managers. Get the training you need to understand lead and mold hazards. Protect your homes and the ones they were made to protect.

Visit CertRebel.com for upcoming classes and join our remote EPA training courses. Learn how to stay compliant and protect your home, business, or tenants.

💬 Questions? Email us at hello@certrebel.com or call 646-470-7119 for more info on certifications and training options.