Environmental Hazards
Because
environmental issues have been the subject of many media articles, the
public's consciousness has been raised. As a result, many prospective
home buyers and building buyers are concerned about how these issues
will affect their purchases.
Unfortunately, thousand of dollars can be spent testing for even the simplest of environmental concerns. This sort of extensive testing is generally cost prohibitive, and is neither recommended nor needed for home purchases. Although most banks require Phase I environmental surveys to be conducted on buildings, they are usually not required on residential homes, condominium units, or cooperative units.
Today, many buyers have specific concerns that include water contamination, radon gas, asbestos, UFFI, lead-based paint, oil leaks, and indoor air quality. Heimer Engineering's inspections do not include checking for environmental hazards. We include some information on environmental hazards to help you better understand the risks. You should have an environmental testing service check for environmental hazards as you see appropriate.
Generally, if you can find a risk or hazard on the United States Environmental Protection Agency web site (www.epa.gov), the National Institute of Health web site (www.nih.gov), the New York State Department of Health web site (www.health.state.ny.us), the New York State Department of Environmental Protection web site (www.dec.ny.gov), The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission web site (www.cpsc.gov), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site, (www.cdc.gov), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration web site (www.osha.gov), or any of the many other web sites that list environmental risks, it is not included in an inspection. For any risks or hazards that you are concerned about, you should retain an appropriate environmental testing company.
Environmental Concerns
Below is a list of common questions prospective home buyers and building buyers ask about environmental issues.
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The EPA
There is a lot of information available on the web regarding environmental issues. If you would like more information, start at the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) web site for the information you desire.
What you can
do if you are concerned
about environmental issues
You
could spend thousands of dollars for environmental testing with no significant
results. Do not perform tests until you are reasonably certain
that you want to purchase the house or building. Then, decide
what tests are needed based upon the location and condition of the building,
and any medical conditions or allergies you have. Every building
and community is unique. Do not have a test just because it sounds
like a good idea or because a friend or relative suggested the test.
Maps of
Known Environmental Hazards
The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has maps of known environmental hazards available at no charge to the general public. Click here to go the the EPA EnviroMapper . Enter the zip code of the house or building you are buying, and you will see a map of known environmental hazards in the area, as well as other EPA registered sites.
To
setup an appointment with Heimer Engineering PC for a home inspection, building inspection, condominium inspection,
coop inspection, or Professional Engineering consultation, to find out about other
Professional Engineering
services offered, or for more information, call us anytime at 718.544.3000,
212.563.4777, 516.487.2100, 631.858.5500, 914.576.6100, 845.638.4900, or 800.605.1500
or you can click here to contact us 24/7
using the online form.
| Asbestos | Indoor Air Hazards | Lead Based Paint | Oil Leaks |
| Phase I Surveys | Radon Gas | UFFI | Water Quality |
Call 800.605.1500,
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This web site is best viewed with at least Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 2.0. Other web browsers may not display this web site properly. Heimer Engineering's licensed Professional Engineers are ready to serve your home inspection, building inspection, coop inspection, and condominium inspection needs. All Heimer Engineering's licensed Home Inspectors are also licensed Professional Engineers. HEIMER®, HEIMER INSPECTIONS®, FOR A GOOD LOOK®, WE LOOK GOOD®, and HEI-LITE® are registered trademarks of Heimer Engineering PC. Heimer Engineering is not an environmental testing company, and does not inspect or test for any environmental hazard. All inspections are performed only after the client signs an appropriate agreement. Click here to download an agreement. The use of this web site is governed by our Terms of Use.
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This page
was last reviewed on
July 15, 2010. |
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