Buying New Construction May Have Health Benefits

Buyers are becoming more interested in purchasing new or newer construction these days, not only for the highly customizable features, but also because new homes require less upkeep and may offer a healthier indoor environment. Harmful asbestos, lead and radon are common afflictions in older homes. Removing or treating these problems can be expensive, and they can also be hard to detect.

1.) Asbestos is a dangerous building material that was commonly used through the 1980’s. Many studies have linked asbestos exposure to serious illnesses like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and a chronic inflammation of the lungs called asbestosis. Unfortunately the dangers of asbestos exposure were not understood for many years and as recently as the 1980’s asbestos was widely used for insulation, fire-proofing, and various other building purposes. It wasn’t until 1989 that the Environmental Protection Agency issued a ban on the use of asbestos. If you purchase a newer home built after 1989 it will greatly decrease your family’s risk to asbestos exposure. 

2.) Lead can be found in paint, dust and soil. It was also commonly used in building materials prior to 1980. Lead overexposure can cause sickness and in some cases death. Children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning because their bodies are in a constant state of growth. Exposure to lead has been linked to slow development as well as many cardiovascular and nervous system problems, to name a few. One of the many benefits of newer homes is that updated building codes and standards ensure the use of much safer construction products.  

3.) Radon contamination is easier to prevent when building a new home. You can’t smell, taste, or see radon and it’s a commonly occurring radioactive gas due to soil decomposition. Studies show a strong correlation between breathing high concentrations of radon and incidences of lung cancer. The good news is that now we know radon is dangerous, so when building a home we have the ability to add provisions for a radon mitigation system to be installed should radon tests show elevated levels. Installing these systems at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels and protect your family’s health.

Healthy indoor air is important to the ongoing health of your family. If you purchase a new or newer home, you can be sure that you are less at risk for harmful indoor air pollutants. 

If you have any questions or comments, email Kristin Brown-Orr or call her at (781) 389-0893.