Environmental Hazards — Disclosure Requirements

Agents must disclose known material defects including environmental hazards.

Lead-based paint:

Required federal disclosure for homes built before 1978

Buyers have 10-day right to test

Must give EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead"

Asbestos:

Common in homes built before 1980 (insulation, floor tiles, popcorn ceilings)

Not always dangerous if undisturbed; dangerous when fibers are released (friable)

Removal requires licensed abatement contractors

Radon:

Naturally occurring radioactive gas; #2 cause of lung cancer in US

Seeps from soil and rock into homes through foundation cracks

EPA action level: 4 pCi/L or higher requires mitigation

Testing is simple and inexpensive; mitigation costs $800–2,500

Mold: Must disclose known mold. Fix moisture source first.

Underground Storage Tanks (UST): Potential soil contamination.

CERCLA (Superfund): Federal law holding property owners liable for hazardous waste cleanup even if they didn't cause it.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Environmental Hazard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_hazard