Tips for choosing a healthy home, from an environmental health expert

Are you looking for a new apartment or house? You’re not alone. According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 13 percent of people move each year, with the majority of those moves happening in the late spring and summer.

Moving comes with a lot of considerations: How many bedrooms will your new home have? Is it in a good school district? What about closet space? More and more, people are adding a new item to their list of must-haves: Will this home provide a healthy environment for my family?

“We spend so much time in our homes that the dangers of environmental exposures can be intensified, especially to children,” explains Marilyn Howarth, MD, adjunct associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania and deputy director of the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health. “Taking time early on in the new home search to look for mold, lead paint, asbestos, and radon can help keep you and your family healthy.”

Here are some smart steps you can take to end up with a healthy home.

Find out when the home was built

The age of the property can reveal a lot about the environmental health questions you need to ask.

Older homes are more likely to have lead paint

Did you know that lead was not banned nationwide in household paints until 1978? According to the Census Bureau, 51 percent of houses in the U.S. were built before 1980. In older cities in the Northeast, that figure is even higher. That means that depending on where you live, a home you may be exploring could have hidden lead paint.

“The age of a home can tell you how many layers of lead paint might be present,” says Dr. Howarth. “When paint peels off, it does not peel one layer at a time. Newer paint can peel and carry lead with it, creating chips and dust that can be ingested and inhaled by children.”

There is a rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that says that new home buyers or renters must be told if a property is known to have lead paint. But many sellers and property owners do not test for lead, so they are unaware of its status. For this reason, Howarth recommends considering any property built before 1978 as a likely lead-paint hazard.

“Some individual states or jurisdictions have requirements for rental properties to be certified as ‘lead-safe’,” Howarth notes. “Philadelphia, where I live, requires ensuring that any lead paint that is present is in good condition before a property owner can be given a rental license. It is important to check if your area has a similar program.”

Pro tip: Search “lead certification,” “lead testing requirement,” and “lead paint law” for your area to find out if your city, county, or state has a lead certification program. These programs can require that homes and apartments that contain lead paint are checked to make sure that the paint is in good condition and does not pose a health hazard from chipping or crumbling.

Asbestos was used before 1980

Asbestos is another potential issue in homes built before 1980. The material was once used widely in construction and insulation materials, including floor tiles, ceilings, ducts, pipe coverings, and certain types of textured paint (such as “popcorn” paint). Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to cancer later in life.

“Asbestos, when it is intact, is not a hazard,” says Howarth. “But often, older materials such as pipe wrapping can be easily damaged. When damaged, the asbestos can release millions of fibers that then become airborne, combine with dust, and can get into lungs.”

Pro tip: If you suspect that there is asbestos in your home and it looks intact, leave it alone. (Intact means the material that contains the asbestos has not crumbled or deteriorated or allowed asbestos fibers to become free.)

Regularly check surfaces for signs of wear or damage. If any asbestos-containing material does become damaged or torn, or you need to renovate that area, homeowners should hire a certified asbestos professional to evaluate, test, and if necessary, remediate (or remove the substance in a safe way) the area. Renters should notify the property owner and ensure the owner hires a certified asbestos professional. Contact your state department of environmental protection’s asbestos office for the most up-to-date professional list.

Do not repair or clean up asbestos yourself. Breathing in even a small number of asbestos fibers can increase your chances of developing lung cancer. (Can’t afford repairs or have a property owner who won’t respond? See the final section of this article for tips on how to get help.)

Ask about the pipes

Lead can contaminate drinking water if it moves through lead-containing pipes after leaving your local water treatment plant.

It is uncommon for lead to be in the source water (such as from a city or county water facility) that comes into communities. This water travels through large pipes called water mains that typically run underground down the center of streets. Instead, water may pick up lead as it passes through several types of pipes. These may include:

• Lead service lines, which connect underground water mains to the pipes inside houses and buildings
• Pipes inside houses and buildings that contain lead solder, a metallic material used to connect pipe parts together
• Brass water fixtures inside homes

Before 1986, lead was permitted in solder, and only in the mid-2010s did lead-free brass fixtures become commonplace. The longer water sits in a lead pipe or fixture, the more lead it picks up. This means that the greatest danger is from tap water that sits for a long period of time in lead-containing pipes.

“Drinking water with the most risk of lead is what comes out of the faucet first thing in the morning or after it’s been sitting for more than 6 hours,” explains Howarth. “During that time, it will have been in contact with the lead pipes, solder, or fixtures.”

“If you are not sure about your pipes or fixtures, the best thing to do is to let your water run for one minute for every 50 feet separating your faucet from the center of the street. This ensures that the water standing in your pipes is flushed out,” Howarth adds.

Pro tip: Use this guide to determine the type of pipes leading to your home. And take these steps if you are unsure if your service lines, pipe solder, or fixtures have lead contamination:

• Invest in a lead filtration system or pitcher certified by the EPA. Under-the-sink models start at around $70, while pitchers or faucet attachments start at around $20. Remember to replace the filters as recommended by the product manufacturer.
• If possible, replace older brass faucets with new lead-free versions.

Test for radon

Radon is an invisible and odorless gas that is naturally found underground. Over time, it can seep through the cracks of buildings and collect in basements or ground floors. Long-term exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. When buying a house or renting a basement or first-floor unit, it is important that you know the radon risk by performing a radon test.

There are two types of radon tests:

• Short-term radon tests can last from two to 90 days. These tests are the most often used because the shorter testing duration can usually fit in during a new-home search. Note that radon trends can vary with changing seasons, which can affect test results. For example, basement doors and windows might be open during warmer months, which means radon is less likely to accumulate inside.
• Long-term radon tests last more than 90 days and are ideal if you want to understand radon variability during different seasons. This test is often used after you move into your home.

Learn more about radon risk in your county with this “Radon Zones” resource from the EPA. Reach out to radon offices in your region and state to get support specific to your area.

“Radon is always fixable. Every home can be remediated for radon, but it is not something I would recommend homeowners or renters do on their own,” advises Howarth. “Along with sealing cracks, it requires the placement of a special pipe and fan to suck out the air from under the floor to the outside and the installation of a monitor to be sure it continues to work.”

Pro tip: Use an at-home radon testing kit in the lowest level of your house or if your apartment is in the basement or first floor. Order a short- or long-term test kit from the National Radon Program at Kansas State University. If the test comes back positive, contact an EPA-certified radon contractor for an assessment and remediation plan.

Check the EPA’s hazardous waste database

The closer you live to a hazardous waste or Superfund site, the more at risk you may be of environmental health issues, such as air pollution and well-water contamination. (Superfund is a program through which the EPA cleans up hazardous waste sites.) While not all Superfund sites pose a risk to neighbors, Howarth recommends everyone check the EPA’s Hazardous Waste database before buying a new home. Type in your zip code to search for hazardous sites.

“We have seen people buy a property only later to learn that there was a hazardous waste or Superfund site nearby,” Howarth says. “It affects not only their health, but the value of their property. These sites can take a long time to clean up.”

Pro tip: Research cleanup sites in your area before committing to a new home. A site that is half a mile away is unlikely to impact your health, but one next door or on your block can be a real concern.

H3: Environmental risks are not distributed equitably

Not every community is affected by these issues equally. A history of unjust housing laws and policies, including segregation, have resulted in many homes and communities being built in areas that may be inappropriate or unsafe for people to live. Examples include neighborhoods built very close to highways, garbage dumps, and hazardous waste sites.

Likewise, a lack of investment or protections for certain communities can lead to inappropriate or unsafe materials being used in housing construction. People and communities of color and people and communities living at or below the federal poverty line tend to be most affected by these issues.

Look for asthma and mold risks

When touring a new home, be on the lookout for pests, odors, and mold. They are known asthma and allergy risks. Pests can be found hiding in dark spaces and under furniture and they will often leave droppings where they find food.

Check bathrooms and basement walls and ceiling supports for mold. Trust your nose. If the rooms smell musty, then significant mold is likely present even if you don’t see it.

“Mold is a symptom of a larger problem,” says Howarth. “Is the humidity in an area too high or are there water leaks into a ceiling, wall, or basement? Unless you get to the source of the water leak, you may find yourself cleaning up mold again and again.”

Climate change is worsening water issues like these, as homes that used to be leak-free may now be dealing with more concentrated, heavy storms. Home searchers should visit potential properties during a rainstorm, if possible. See if or where water enters the home or whether there is standing water immediately next to the foundation.

Renters should ask about past mold issues. If mold was found, how was it treated? If mold was found in drywall, make sure the property owner replaced all the contaminated wall area and didn’t just repaint it.

“Mold in basements should be assessed by looking for rust and staining on wood,” says Howarth. “It can worsen allergies or asthma, and it is particularly dangerous if someone sleeps or spends a lot of time in the basement. Consider a dehumidifier for the basement if it’s musty without a clear source of water.”

Pro tip: Mold that covers hard surfaces of less than 3 feet by 3 feet should be scrubbed off with soap and water or vinegar. Do not use bleach products, which can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs and worsen asthma and other lung conditions. Drywall and porous surfaces should be replaced. If the mold has spread wider, contact a professional mold removal specialist. There is no federal certification program, so reach out to your city, county, or state air quality office for recommendations on contractors.

Consider cooking appliances

Another asthma risk that affects indoor air quality is gas stoves. Gas stoves that burn natural gas or propane release airborne particulates and chemicals, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO2 is an irritant to the lungs. It may also be associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. Studies have also shown a direct connection between gas stoves and an increased risk of childhood asthma.

While exposure to burning natural gas can be lessened with a strong ventilation system that vents to the outside, that does not eliminate the problem completely. What’s more, many houses and apartments do not vent air outside even when an exhaust fan is present. Your safest bet is to have an electric stove and avoid this problem altogether whenever you have a choice in the matter.

Pro tip: If you have a gas stove, first ensure the kitchen has a hood that vents to the outside. Homeowners should consider replacing a gas stove with an electric during their next remodel if possible. Renters should prioritize moving into apartments with electric stoves and checking for an external ventilation system. If that option isn’t available, try to keep windows open and a fan running while using the stove.

It’s not too late to make improvements for a healthy home

You may have gotten this far and are thinking, “Why didn’t I know about all this before I signed the lease or contract?” Along with the tips above, there are additional programs and resources to help you if you already moved into a place with environmental health concerns.

If you’re concerned about symptoms that may be due to exposure at home, make an appointment with a healthcare practitioner. To find a pediatrician who specializes in environmental health issues, visit the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units website. If you or your child has been exposed to a poisonous substance (like a cleaning chemical), contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222 right away.

For homeowners

If you’ve learned your home contains toxic building materials, you may be able to apply for financial help in removing or replacing them through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For renters with unresponsive property owners

Contact your state’s legal aid society and public health department if your property owner refuses to help with issues like mold, lead paint, radon, or other environmental hazards.

Reach out to your local housing authority or department of licensing and inspections as well. They may be able to inspect your space and fine the property owner for code violations. If your state’s laws don’t protect renters against hazards like mold (and most do not), emphasize the underlying cause—like a leaky pipe damaging your ceiling—and how it’s in violation of your lease.

Jessica J. Gupta is the Administrative Director of the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health (PRCCEH), a joint program of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. PRCCEH members and partners work together to improve children’s health by reducing environmental exposures across the Philadelphia region. PRCCEH is one of six Collaborative Centers for Children’s Environmental Health Research and Translation that turn children’s environmental health research findings into tools, strategies, and interventions that can be used or adapted by those working to protect children’s health.