Homeowners

What this collection covers

For most homeowners, environmental testing comes up at a specific moment. It might be before a renovation, during a purchase or sale, after an inspection flag, or when a radon result comes back higher than expected. The three hazards behave differently. Asbestos and lead are materials already in the building that matter mainly when disturbed, while radon is a soil gas that varies by location and season. Knowing which applies to your situation keeps you from paying for tests you don't need.

For an older home, the questions come in order: what each hazard is, when testing actually makes sense, how to read a result, and what to do if something turns up. These guides follow that sequence in plain language, with a focus on pre-1978 construction, where asbestos and lead are more likely and some neighborhoods carry elevated radon.