There are a number of potential residential environmental issues that buyers should be aware-of. These may include:

MOLD can be a concern in any type of home or commercial structure. If the building has experienced one or more moisture incursions (roof or plumbing leaks, flooding, etc.), there is a possibility that mold has proliferated in one or more areas of the structure. Many people are not adversely-affected by mold; a smaller percentage of the population can, in fact, be highly sensitive or allergic-to high concentrations of mold. Stem to Stern provides mold sampling and Certified laboratory analysis services, as well as moisture intrusion investigations. For more information on our professional inspection services, see our inspection home page.

WATER QUALITY is a common concern, particularly for private water supply (well) owners. A basic water quality test will determine pH, water hardness, the presence of fluoride, sodium, iron and manganese, plus bacteria such as E-coli. Additionally, water may be tested for the presence of lead, arsenic, radium/radon, or other contaminants. If your home or commercial property is supplied with potable water by your municipality, the EPA requires that the municipality (town, county or other water works operator) make annual water quality reports available to you at no cost. Stem to Stern offers spot-testing of water quality (available with property inspections only), and third-party certified laboratory sample analysis starting at $149.00. See our inspection services home page, or call (815) 521-1215 for more information.

In homes and other buildings constructed prior-to 1978, LEAD-BASED PAINT, LEAD PIPING, and other sources of LEAD may be present. Generally, if lead-based paint applications are in good condition, and are not cracking or peeling, they may not present a hazard. If the paint condition is hazardous, the paint will either need to be removed or sealed in such a manner as to eliminate the hazard, either contact or inhalation. Lead piping may also be a hazard, depending-upon where and how it is used.

Another common environmental concern in buildings is RADON GAS. Radon is a gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in the soils surrounding buildings. Almost all homes and commercial structures have some radon present; screening can determine if the level present is higher than what is considered safe by the EPA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS). If the Radon level is too high, a radon reduction (mitigation) system should be installed. For more information on radon and radon risk in your area of Illinois, click-over to our RADON site page. Illinois-licensed Radon testing is available through Stem to Stern Inspection Services.

In older homes and commercial buildings constructed more than 35 years ago, ASBESTOS was used in many types of piping insulation and other building materials. If the asbestos is friable (releasing fibers into the air), it may need to be removed or encapsulated in-place by a licensed, professional contractor specializing in asbestos cleanup. If the asbestos material is in good repair, and not releasing fibers, it likely poses no hazard, and may not need to be expensively removed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING AND TESTING SERVICES:

STEM TO STERN INSPECTION SERVICES

LOCAL: (815) 521-1215

E-MAIL inspect4me@sbcglobal.net