Should I Test for Toxic Substances?

Once rare, toxic substance inspections are now a routine part of most real estate contracts, as people have become more aware of the potential dangers such substances pose.
Unfortunately, some home inspectors lack the qualifications to do the specialized tests necessary to find toxic substances. You must therefore use toxic substance inspectors.
Here are some of the most dangerous toxic substances:

Radon – it’s a radioactive gas that seeps in to your house through cracks in your foundation. According to the EPA, it’s the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US (after cigarettes). Of the home buyers who actually check for it, about 20% will find it at unacceptable levels. Although it’s possible to buy a home test kit, it’s best to let a professional handle the job. For more information, call the EPA radon hotline at (800) SOS-RADO.
Asbestos – it’s a microscopic airborne fiber that causes lung cancer. If you’re buying anything built since the mid-‘70s, you probably don’t have to worry about it. If you’re buying an older home, however, a specialist can tell you if it presents any danger. For more information, contact your local OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) office, or your local Consumer Products Safety Commission office.
Lead – usually found in paint or water pipes in older homes (it’s been banned for 20 years), it causes mental and physical development problems. Testing usually costs between $100 and $300. If the water is contaminated from its source, you may need a filtering system, or simply buy a home in another area. For the more information, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Electromagnetic Radiation – though still controversial, some studies seem to indicate that exposure to radiation from high-voltage power lines may cause cancer and other diseases. Power companies deny it, but you may not want the risk. A test for this problem costs between $100 and $250, depending on the house.

Real estate attorneys advise that the language you use should state that the “sale is contingent upon satisfactory results of the tests.” You don’t want the language to suggest that you have the right to the tests but not the right to back out of the deal if the house fails any of the tests.