Homebuyers may not anticipate that their property contains hazardous substances after purchasing a new home and enduring a tedious closing process. However, a building could make someone feel sick in various ways, ranging from allergy symptoms to life-long conditions. Some allergens may not present themselves during the home inspection process, and homeowners may need additional tests if they feel ill after moving in.
Ways Your Home Can Make You Feel Sick
There are two significant ways to describe how your home can make you feel ill.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Sick building syndrome describes minor symptoms present when someone is in the home. The symptoms do not link to a particular illness, and typically, the homeowner feels better upon leaving the property. Certain areas of the home may trigger stronger reactions.
Those who experience sick building syndrome can suffer from cold or flu-like symptoms like itchy eyes, skin rashes, nasal allergy, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, aches, and asthma attacks.
Building-Related Illness (BRI)
Building-related illnesses can cause more severe symptoms that may have long-lasting effects. The symptoms that a homeowner experiences from BRI can trace back to a specific disease. Additionally, those who suffer from a BRI may continue to experience symptoms after leaving the building that makes them sick. BRI may also take years to develop and can relate to long-term illnesses like cancer.
SBS and BRI In Single-Family Homes and Multi-Family Buildings
It is important to note that while single-family home buyers can experience SBS or BRI, those who purchase in multi-residence buildings are more likely to experience symptoms due to confined living quarters. Additionally, multi-unit buildings are more likely to circulate air through one system, which can quickly spread toxins to multiple residents.
Those who purchase property in areas like New York City can consider the presence of BRI during the home-buying process and inquire about potential toxins with their real estate agent or co-op board.
Examples of Invisible Toxins Making Homeowners Sick
Various conditions can make a homeowner sick on their own property. Some of the most common toxins include:
Lead Paint
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead-based paint can cause lead poisoning and is increasingly dangerous for young children who may consume peeling paint.
Most parts of the country now exercise caution to help homeowners avoid lead poisoning. When purchasing a property, buyers can request lead paint testing as part of their home inspection. They must also receive an informational pamphlet if they purchase a home built before 1978. Those who already live in their new home can request a lead paint inspection by hiring a professional provider or working with an EPA-approved laboratory.
Property investors may need to take additional steps to ensure their tenants are safe. In New York City, owners must perform additional reactive steps if children under the age of six reside in the unit.
Pollution
Polluted air can easily enter your home and cause asthma attacks or other uncomfortable symptoms. Homeowners should ensure they properly ventilate their space by changing their air filters and purchasing air purifying devices.
Some populations, such as children, elderly people, or those with existing respiratory conditions, are more at risk of developing symptoms from polluted and unpurified air. However, all homeowners will benefit from taking steps to clean their air.
Learn more:
Tobacco smoke
Long exposure to tobacco smoke can increase your risk for lung cancer and other conditions. Even if you do not personally smoke, the smoke from someone who enters your apartment can cause discomfort. Ventilating the home to avoid overall pollution will also help with tobacco smoke.
In extreme cases, some homeowners may purchase a property from a previous seller who routinely smoked in their home. In this case, new owners should hire professional cleaners to remove any existing carpets, wallpaper, or additional absorbent material. However, some owners may not find this work beneficial and may still observe smoke residue.
Mites
Most mites do not harm humans, but some variations can bite human skin, causing skin dermatitis or a rash. Additionally, dust mites can irritate homeowners with allergies or asthma. To avoid mites, homeowners should decrease the humidity by opening the windows on a dry day or purchasing a dehumidifier. They can also routinely dust surfaces.
Radon
Radon is an invisible gas that can increase your risk of lung cancer. The only way for homeowners to detect radon is through testing their property. Homebuyers should acquire a radon test as part of their home purchase process, and existing homeowners should acquire a test before home improvement projects, especially when converting a basement into a more liveable room.
Asbestos
Asbestos was popular in home construction throughout the 20th century, and many properties still contain traces. While untouched asbestos does not typically harm homeowners, they can develop cancer or lung disease if they breathe in disturbed asbestos.
Homeowners should hire professionals to help with home improvement projects that involve touching asbestos, like removing a popcorn ceiling. Owners can also hire a professional to test for asbestos in their homes.
Combustion Gases
Combustion gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides cause flu-like symptoms, respiratory illnesses, and even death. Homeowners should never use unventilated combustion appliances such as portable kerosene heaters indoors and use an exhaust hood over a gas stove.
Houses with chimneys require cleaning yearly. Outside of these preventive actions, owners should also install a carbon monoxide detector and routinely replace their batteries.
Water Pollution
Polluted water can easily make someone sick and can even lead to severe conditions like cancer. The easiest way to determine the safety of your drinking water is to purchase a water test kit. Test kits can identify pollutants such as nitrates, bacteria, pesticides, organic chemicals, or radon that found their way into the water source.
Homeowners who use a well on their property should not use pesticides or fertilizers on the ground surrounding the well area. They should also refer to their local health department’s recommendations to schedule routine inspections.
Mold & Allergens
Water-damaged surfaces are the perfect sources for mold and other organisms to grow. While some mold is harmless, other varieties can cause illnesses. Homeowners can take steps to reduce moisture, such as opening windows to initiate ventilation, but mold can still grow in damp areas.
If you suspect that your home has mold, you can clean small stains yourself and increase ventilation. To combat larger areas, owners can test the mold to determine the severity and then work with a professional to remove the moldy area.
Learn more: Does My Home Have Mold?
Conclusion
Homeowners can take preventative measures to reduce their risk of SBS and BRI, such as improving ventilation. When purchasing a home, prospective owners should order tests that detect the presence of harmful toxins. Existing homeowners who observe toxins or otherwise feel ill can contact their local health department to remedy a situation. Those who own units in multi-home buildings may consult with their neighbors to compare symptoms, then bring their concerns to a large body, like their co-op board.
