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It is important to be aware of any environmental liabilities associated with apiece of property.
Underground Tanks
Underground tanks can pose many potential problems to both home buyers and sellers. They have been the source of problems such as contamination of soil and ground water.
Underground storage tanks usually fail from rust, due to the effects of water inside the tank.
Before purchasing a home it is strongly recommended that buried tanks be tested. Once a property is purchased, the liability for a leaking tank becomes the responsibility of the new owner. Cleanup of any leaks will also have to be taken care of.
Home heating oil tanks are excluded from Federal Regulations, but in some states and provinces, are addressed by state or local DEP/DNR/DEC agencies and regulations. You can view a map
showing which states regulate these tanks but note that this data is from the Petroleum Equipment Institute Web site and may not be up-to-date.
You should check the
UST/LUST Program Status in Indiana
for more information.
Radon
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that has been estimated to cause 15,400 to 21,800 additional lung cancer deaths in the U.S. annually. Radon in homes is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
If you need more information on Radon go to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website.
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
Mold
Mold spreads by producing tiny spores to reproduce. Mold can grow almost anywhere, requiring moisture, oxygen and a food source to survive. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting Molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. Molds grow best in warm, dark and moist conditions. There is no way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoors; the way to control indoor mold growth is to, KEEP IT CLEAN and KEEP IT DRY.
If you need more information on Mold go to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website.
Indoor Air - Mold
Lead Poisoning
Lead is a highly toxic substance that was used for many years. Lead has been found in deteriorating paint, household dust, bare soil, air, drinking water, food, ceramics, home remedies, hair dyes and other cosmetics. Lead poisoning can damage many internal organs, including the kidney, nervous system and brain. Because of the possibility of permanent impairment, lead poisoning is particularly dangerous during the critical development periods of infants and young children under the age of 7 years.
If you need more information on Lead Poisoning go to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website.
Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil
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