Hot Environmental Topics

Septic systems are underground onsite wastewater treatment structures that use a combination of natural and technological processes to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, showers, kitchen drains,  and laundry. The process typically begins with solids settling within the septic tank and ends with wastewater treatment in the soil via the leachfield (end point of the system).

The system begins with the waste pipe exiting the structure and leads to a septic tank that is baffled and collects solids and transfers greywater through the tank to the leach field. The greywater exiting the tank goes to a distribution box (D-box) where the one pipe feeding it from the tank is discharged to multiple discharge pipes that lead to a leach field where the water is filtered into the ground.

Some key points to know about these systems.

• Every septic system will fail and needs to be replaced, as the greywater that feeds the leach field has microscopic solids that will clog the filtration bed of the field, requiring replacement. $40,000 or more is not out of line to replace the leachfield.
• You may have someone saying their system was replaced; you need to obtain this documentation, as their definition of “system” may just be one component of the system, say the D-box or the leachfield. Items that were not replaced will likely need replacement in the future so do not accept verbal documentation; request the actual quote and invoice for the septic work, including permits.
• Request copies of the pump-out receipt for the tank. The larger the dwelling and the number of occupants, will be pumped out. You can request the owner contact their septic pump company and request records for several years TO VERIFY THE FREQUENCY. More frequent is better than less.
• Septic inspection is a recommended part of buyer due diligence New Jersey Septic Inspections, LLCNJ Septic Inspections, LLC, is one such company that we have found to be reasonable and professional.
• Repairs to a system can require local and county permits and can take weeks, likely delaying settlement.

Generally speaking, it is cheaper to be connected to a Municipal Utilities Authority than owning a septic system.

If you do not have a septic system and are connected to city sewer. Sewer line scopes are very popular and money-saving. Rarely do people replace their septic line. Even insurance offered for these lines does not afford coverage to replace the whole line, they will typically cover just a broken section, which is typically found via sewer scope or other camera inserted into the line. The rub with this is that lines can have systemic issues, meaning if there is a break in one section, other breaks may be forming in oth
ers. These repairs are bandages on a larger problem.

Roots, settlement, age, and usage compromise sewer lines. Nothing lasts forever. We find that the plumber will snake a sewer line for the homeowner annually to remove roots that have invaded the pipe. These lines clearly indicate that services are masking a larger problem, which is that the sewer line needs replacement. A sewer line replacement can cost $10,000 plus or minus, so you can see the advantage of having a sewer line scope. Finding a damaged sewer line during your due diligence has a high rate of return if you compare the cost of inspection against sewer line replacement.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — and the inspections you skip today can turn into the expenses you're stuck with tomorrow. Beyond the standard home inspection, a few specialty inspections consistently deliver the best return on investment: a mold inspection, an oil tank sweep, and, if applicable, a septic inspection.

Here's why each one matters.

Mold Inspection

Mold inspections are one of the highest-payback inspections a buyer can get, dollar for dollar.

Let's clear something up first: there's no such thing as "black mold" or "toxic mold." Those labels don't correspond to any actual mold species — they're just scare terms. What mold actually is: a byproduct of moisture problems, and an indoor air contaminant. That doesn't make it harmless. Exposure can trigger autoimmune responses, allergic reactions, and other health issues that are expensive and difficult to diagnose and treat.

If you're comfortable with the possibility of a surprise $5,000–$12,000 remediation bill, mold might not feel like a priority. But that's often just the starting cost. Remediation frequently requires opening up finished walls to reach mold growing behind them — which means demolition costs, reconstruction costs, and lost time on top of the remediation itself.

There's also a lesser-known risk: mold spores can take hold in the body, since mold grows on organic material and we are organic. Blood tests exist specifically to detect mold markers, and there are documented cases of people testing positive for mold in their lungs years after leaving a mold-impacted home.

Mold doesn't discriminate — it shows up in brand-new construction just as often as older homes.

The leverage angle: Most states require sellers to disclose past water intrusion, since that's the fuel for mold growth. In practice, many sellers underreport this, because a full disclosure often triggers a professional repair requirement before sale. But once you have a mold inspection in hand, the leverage shifts. A documented mold issue is something the seller now has to disclose to their next buyer if the deal falls through — which puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.

At $300–$800 on average, a mold inspection is one of the best-value inspections available for the protection it provides.

Oil Tank Sweep

A tank sweep scans a property for an old, abandoned underground oil tank — relevant for any home that was once heated with oil.

This isn't a minor line item. A leaking oil tank can cost anywhere from $15,000 on the low end to $50,000–$100,000 to remediate, and insurance almost never covers it. Tank sweeps are especially common practice in the Northeastern U.S., where oil heat was the standard for decades, but old oil tanks turn up anywhere oil was once used as a fuel source — from California to Asheville, NC to Chicago.

If a home's age or heating history suggests oil may have been used at any point, a tank sweep is cheap insurance against a five- or six-figure surprise.

Home Inspection (Property Condition Assessment)

A traditional home inspection is really a property condition assessment — it tells you how the house has aged and what's likely to need attention soon. Homes, like everything else, deteriorate over time. It's not reversible, and repairs only get more expensive the longer they're deferred. Sellers know this too, which is why many hold off on repairs before listing — from their perspective, it's money they won't get back.

This gap became especially visible with the wave of homes purchased during COVID-19, many of them bought "as-is" or without inspections at all, often to compete in a fast-moving market. Many of those buyers have since paid out of pocket for repairs an inspection likely would have flagged — repairs that, in hindsight, would have cost far less than what they've spent, low interest rate or not.

Septic Inspection

If the property has a septic system, don't skip this one — it's a no-brainer. You rely on the septic system every single day, and if it fails, you're the one dealing with the consequences. A full septic replacement can run $75,000 or more. An inspection costs a small fraction of that and tells you what you're actually working with — including the system's age, which is one of the best indicators of how much life it has left.

The Bottom Line

Due diligence is the best tool a home buyer has. A few thousand dollars in inspections can save tens of thousands in surprises — and give you real leverage at the negotiating table. Before you close, call the experts.

 Indoor Air Quality

Where there is water, there can be mold — and the health consequences are more serious than most people realize. Here's what the science says, and what you can do about it.

Mold is a byproduct of moisture — and it's more common than you think.

Mold doesn't appear randomly. It follows water. Anywhere excess moisture exists — whether from a slow leak, condensation, flooding, or high humidity — mold can take hold. And once it does, it produces compounds that can affect your health in ways that are only now being fully understood.

We find mold issues in approximately 70% of the properties we inspect. Some cases are minor. Others are significant. But every single one was only discovered because someone asked for a professional evaluation.

How mold gets into your body — and what it does there

Most mold exposure happens through inhalation. Mold spores are readily airborne, and once inhaled, they can cause a spectrum of health problems ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious systemic disease.

For people with weakened immune systems, the stakes are even higher. Invasive mold infections (IMIs) occur when fungal spores enter the bloodstream. Specialized blood tests can detect mold DNA or antibodies — including IgG and IgE — to identify exposure to specific species like Aspergillus.

Beyond spores, active mold growth produces off-gassing compounds — specifically, microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) and mycotoxins — that are toxic to humans even without direct spore contact.

"Mycotoxin exposure is linked to immune dysregulation, neurological disorders, and cancer. Yet it remains one of the most overlooked indoor health hazards."

Three molds you need to know — and why they matter

Your lab found mold markers. Here's what to do next.

If blood tests have revealed mold antibodies or DNA in your system, the next step is to evaluate your home environment. The source of exposure won't go away on its own — and your health won't fully recover until it does.

1. Schedule a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will assess your home systematically, not just visually.
2. Request air sampling in every room you frequently occupy — bedroom, living room, kitchen, basement. Each sample either rules out exposure or helps locate the source.
3. Review the findings. Some areas will be cleared; others will reveal elevated spore counts or specific mold species that confirm the problem.
4. Remediate and retest. Once mold is removed by a qualified professional, post-remediation air testing confirms the environment is safe.

Properties are regularly bought and sold without ever having a mold inspection performed. Don't let that be your home — and don't let a past purchase become a long-term health liability.

Buying a house with a propane tank requires checking tank ownership, identifying the fuel supplier, and inspecting the system's condition. Tanks are either leased from a local company or owned outright with the property. Out-of-service propane tanks are a hazard because they store a flammable liquid that, in gas form, is heavier than air.

If the propane supplier owns the tank, you are obligated to purchase propane from them. If you stop using them, you are responsible for removal of the tank from the ground to allow the supplier to reclaim their tank. If the propane tank is abandoned, the prior propane supplier, even if they own the tank, will likely abandon you, and you will be tasked with paying for both tank removal and disposal, including any remaining propane.

When buying a house with an abandoned propane tank, your top priority is to determine the legal owner of the tank before closing. Unlike buried oil tanks, propane does not contaminate groundwater if it leaks, but it is a liability hazard, and your insurance company may have issues with an abandoned propane tank. Propane is heavier than air; older propane tanks that are not being maintained can leak, allowing propane to run along the ground surface, and if an ignition source is found, things can go very bad. When you hear about a house having an explosion, oftentimes you will find it was from an unmanaged propane tank.

The number one reason propane tanks are left abandoned in the ground is due to cost of decommissioning the tank. Decommissioning a propane tank is dangerous as you must manage the propane gas itself. In fact, an empty reading on a propane tank can still have 10% of the tank volume remaining. Meaning a 1000-gallon propane tank that reads empty can have 100 gallons of propane.

While a propane leak will not harm the environment like an oil tank leak, it is a hazard, and decommissioning the tank is a danger to your bank account.

We have been contacted by countless new homeowners who bought a house with an out-of-service propane tank. The husband typically has a dream of connecting the tank to a propane grill and never buying propane again. This dream never materializes, as the tank is never near the grill area and the wife of more sound mind doesn’t want a large tank containing flammable gas to be removed from the property. Calls to local propane suppliers find that they do not own the tank and want nothing to do with it. To be fair, the tank was likely serviced by Joe’s Propane, who got purchased by Mega National Propane Company. Well, since Mega National Propane Company doesn’t sell propane to the home any longer, they have zero interest in doing anything with the tank. That's where Curren Environmental comes in, we have decommissioned thousands of these abandoned tanks. We do it to prepare a home for sale, during the sales process as the buyer wants it removed, and lastly for new homeowners who didn’t realize the out-of-service propane tank was an issue.

 When a property is not connected to a public sewer, it relies on a residential wastewater system, commonly called a septic system. For real estate transactions, that detail matters more than many people realize, because septic systems come with maintenance responsibilities, inspection requirements, and potential repair costs that can affect a sale. 

 Whether you are listing a home, preparing to buy, or getting ready to sell, understanding the basics of septic systems can help prevent surprises, protect your client, and keep the transaction moving smoothly.

How a Septic System Works. 

A septic system is designed to collect, treat, and dispose of household wastewater on site. In a typical setup, wastewater flows from the home into a septic tank, where solids settle and liquids move on to the drainfield for further treatment in the soil.

 Because the system works underground and out of sight, many homeowners do not think about it until there is a problem. That is why real estate professionals should be prepared to explain that septic systems are not “set it and forget it” features — they require regular care and routine pumping. 

Why septic systems matter in real estate.

A septic system can have a direct impact on home value, buyer confidence, and closing timelines. Buyers may be unfamiliar with the responsibilities of septic ownership, and sellers may not always have clear maintenance records available.

 For that reason, septic systems should be treated as a major part of due diligence. A professional inspection can reveal whether the system is functioning properly, whether maintenance has been done on schedule, and whether there are any hidden issues that could affect the sale. 

What realtors should ask for.

For agents representing sellers or buyers, it helps to gather key septic information early in the transaction. Important items include pumping records, repair history, inspection reports, and any available documentation from the original installation.

t is also helpful to confirm:

• Whether the property is on sewer or septic.
• The location of the tank and drainfield.
• The date of the last pump-out.
• Any known repairs, failures, or upgrades.
• Whether the system has been inspected recently.

 Having this information upfront can reduce surprises, support better pricing, and make disclosures more complete.

What buyers should know.

For buyers, owning a septic system means taking on a system that needs regular attention. That includes pumping on the right schedule, limiting excess water use, and being careful about what goes down drains and toilets.

Buyers should also understand that septic systems can be costly to repair or replace if they fail. At the same time, a well-maintained system can serve a home reliably for years, making it a perfectly manageable part of homeownership when handled properly.

What sellers should prepare.

Sellers can help a transaction go more smoothly by organizing septic records before the property is listed. If the system has been pumped, serviced, or repaired regularly, those records can become a selling point rather than a concern.

 If records are missing, sellers should not wait until an issue comes up during inspection. A pre-listing review of the system can identify concerns early and give everyone time to address them before the deal is at risk. 

Best practices during a sale.

The strongest septic transactions tend to follow a few simple best practices:

• Confirm whether the property is served by septic or sewer.
• Obtain a professional inspection during the transaction.
• Review pumping and maintenance records.
• Educate the buyer on basic system care.
• Make sure any known issues are disclosed early.

 This approach helps protect all parties and gives buyers confidence that they understand what they are purchasing.

At Curren Environmental, we understand how important septic systems are in residential real estate transactions. If you are involved in a property transaction and need septic guidance, it is worth addressing early. A little due diligence upfront can save time, money, and stress later.

I had a commercial realtor ask what a Phase I would cost for a light commercial property. They then asked how much the Phase II would cost. No one can provide a Phase II cost without first performing a Phase I, which will map out Areas of Concern (AOCs) or Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). If I could accurately predict a Phase II cost, or anyone could for that matter, you wouldn’t need to do a Phase I. You would also likely be able to predict winning lottery numbers. Would you go into a hospital and ask for surgery to be performed without a prior Doctor’s evaluation? The correct answer is no.

We touch a few thousand sites a year, and not every property requires a Phase II, so the Phase II cost would be zero. When a Phase II is required, the cost depends on the required work. No matter the Phase II cost, the buyer is now tasked with spending more money on a property they do not own, which can delay the sale.

How do you fast-track environmental due diligence in a commercial real estate transaction? It’s pretty easy; you start it prior to listing the property for sale. Owners should have a Phase I completed prior to trying to sell the property, and if the Phase I triggers the need for a Phase II, you do the Phase II to ensure that there really are no issues. Obviously, if there are issues, you fix them, the property is then salable and fast. This gives the property sex appeal, so to speak. Why, well, doesn’t a buyer have to spend money for a Phase I, Phase II, or Phase II, all of which can add weeks or months to be completed to get to settlement? In short, it takes the environmental unknown off the table.

Why do sellers not take this rapid-fire approach, mostly due to bad advice? I was talking to a commercial realtor, who moves a lot of real estate, and asked them about doing prelisting due diligence. Bottom line: 20 years ago, it was not that unusual to have a transaction where a Phase I was not performed. Today, it is highly uncommon, regardless of whether it is a 1031 Exchange, cash deal, or bank-financed purchase, a buyer is going to do the Phase I at the advice of their attorney, realtor, or bank. Sellers can be very naive regarding how potential buyers perceive their property.

They further stated they would recommend a seller do a Phase I and whatever else they need to evaluate environmental issues on the property they are selling. Although buyers are willing to pay for a Phase I, you get a long pause when testing a property that they do not own. The big question they get is if they find a problem, will the owner do anything, and in a timely fashion.

Properties bought 20+ years ago that didn’t have a Phase I performed and owned by people who consider environmental due diligence unnecessary? Well, those owners are ostriches; they didn’t do it when they bought it and don’t see the need now, and those transactions take 2 to 3 times longer to close if they even get to the settlement table. Unfortunately, you have inexperienced realtors who lack commercial due diligence experience and fail to manage sellers’ expectations regarding due diligence. Meaning they do not have the discussion regarding doing a Phase I and Phase II if needed. Many sites require ZERO dollars to be spent on a Phase II, but you have to do the Phase I to know that.

They presented a very basic example: you list a property for $400,000 with zero due diligence from the seller, the buyer does their due diligence, finds an issue, and the seller spends $42,000 to address environmental issues. Property is sold, but the seller gets less money than anticipated. Same property, different approach, seller does Phase I, II, and III. We list the property for $442,000 (building in the cost of environmental), and we market the property accordingly. We market the property as having gone through environmental evaluation and cleanup (offering all reports for the buyer's review), offering a fast closing, and removing questions regarding environmental expenses. Super appealing to buyers who understand the value presented. It can also offer a guaranteed closing date for the 1030 Exchange crowd.

I circle back to the realtor asking what the Phase II cost will be, before a Phase I is performed. This presents a complete lack of understanding of the process. In turn, you have to explain this to a seller who has even lower knowledge. Pro tip to realtors: if your buyer asks what a Phase II will cost, reference another property you sold and what monies were spent, that presents both an answer to their question, an example sale, and reinforces your experience of the environmental due diligence process. Bottom line, sellers are often given bad advice regarding the likelihood of environmental due diligence being performed, and in doing so, they can miss out on selling a property quickly and for the real market value of the property.

Expert Due Diligence Advice

 Did you know that many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint, and lead was also used in stains and varnishes? Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards when ingested or inhaled. Young children are particularly vulnerable, as they put everything in their mouths and lead paint tastes sweet.

 Deteriorated lead-based paint, such as peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or damaged paint, is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear and tear, such as windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, and porches.

Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good,  intact condition and if it is not on an impact or friction surface like a window  

Before renting or buying a pre-1978 home or apartment, federal law requires sellers, landlords, agents, and rental property managers to:

Disclose known information about the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards (or state there is none)

Provide all available records and reports on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards (or state there are none)

Include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint

Give buyers up to 10 days to have a certified inspector or risk assessor check for lead. 

The above is known as Title X and is rarely followed, meaning executed by parties involved in a real estate transaction.  people take a  Laissez-faire  "hands off" approach.  Meaning, sure, the house may have lead in it, but we like the house.  Well, this approach is not protective of human health; knowing there is a hazard does not necessarily protect you from the hazard.

If you want your house evaluated for lead and lead hazards, you will be better able to manage the hazard and protect your family.   Knowing where a hazard is and if it presents an immediate hazard is a more practical approach, but it requires a trained professional to evaluate a property for said hazards.

 Hire a certified lead professional to get your home tested for lead in several different ways:

 A lead-based paint inspection tells you if your home has lead-based paint and where it is located. It won’t tell you whether your home currently has lead hazards or how to deal with them.  A portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine is used to test surfaces, with immediate results.

You can also perform a risk assessment, which tells you if your home currently has any lead hazards from paint, dust or soil, and what actions to take to address any hazards. 

You can also do a combination inspection and risk assessment, which is typically referred to as a Lead Paint Survey, which is an abridged survey that tests likely suspect areas for lead paint, such as children's rooms, playroom, hallways, areas where lead paint may become liberated, and where an exposers pathway is present.

Confused?  Don't be -  call the lead professionals.

tells you if your home has any lead-based paint, if it has any lead hazards and where both are located 

June is National Homeownership Month, a perfect time to celebrate the joys and responsibilities of owning a home. Promoted by organizations like the National Association of Realtors® and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this month reminds us of how homeownership builds wealth, stability, and strong communities. As you buy or sell a residential property, addressing potential environmental hazards early is key to a smooth transaction and long-term peace of mind. At Curren Environmental, we specialize in helping homeowners, buyers, and sellers identify and resolve these issues, ensuring your real estate journey is safe and successful.

Why Environmental Inspections Matter in Residential Real Estate

Many older homes or properties in certain regions hide environmental risks that can affect health, safety, and property value. Common concerns include buried oil tanks from former heating systems, mold growth, lead-based paint, and asbestos materials. Ignoring these can lead to unexpected repair costs, health issues, or complications during sale. Proactive inspections during due diligence protect buyers from inheriting problems and help sellers disclose issues transparently, avoiding delays or disputes.

Since 1998, Curren Environmental has served New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, providing targeted environmental services for residential transactions. Our goal: smooth closings with no surprises.

Key Services Curren Environmental Offers for Home Buyers and Sellers

We focus on the most relevant inspections for single-family homes and residential properties, delivering fast, reliable results with in-house expertise and equipment.

Tank Sweeps with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Many homes built before the 1980s used underground oil tanks for heating. Abandoned tanks can leak, contaminating soil and groundwater—a major red flag in transactions. Our tank sweeps use advanced GPR technology to non-invasively scan for buried tanks or anomalies. If detected, we handle safe removal and closure, compliant with state regulations (NJDEP, PADEP, DNREC), preventing future liability.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal and Soil Remediation

If a tank is found or suspected, we expertly remove it, test the surrounding soil, and remediate any contamination. This turnkey service resolves issues quickly, allowing transactions to proceed without delays.

Mold Inspections

Mold thrives in damp areas and can cause respiratory problems. We conduct thorough visual assessments, air/surface sampling, and provide remediation guidance if needed—essential for buyer safety and seller disclosure.

Lead Paint Inspections

Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint, hazardous, especially to children. Our certified inspections identify risks, helping families make informed decisions and comply with disclosure laws.

Asbestos Testing

Common in older insulation, flooring, and siding, asbestos fibers pose serious health risks if disturbed. We sample and test materials, advising on safe management or abatement during renovations or sales.

Our dedicated project managers oversee every step, ensuring clear communication, timely reports, and cost-effective solutions—no subcontractor delays or markups.

Ensuring Smooth Residential Transactions

Environmental concerns don't have to derail your home sale or purchase. By addressing them early—often during the inspection contingency period—buyers gain confidence in their investment, and sellers can market properties as "clean" and ready. We've helped thousands of residential clients close deals worry-free.

This National Homeownership Month, prioritize a healthy, safe home. Partner with Curren Environmental for the right inspections tailored to residential needs.

Ready for a seamless transaction? Visit www.currenenvironmental.com to explore our services or schedule a consultation. Here's to your dream home—and a brighter future!

Mold in your blood work?

Where there is water there can be mold. Mold is a by product of excess moisture.

Mold in the blood, or invasive mold infections (IMIs), occurs when fungal spores enter the body. People with weakened immune systems can get invasive mold infections (IMIs). For example if you are immunocompromised you will be more susceptible.

Specialized blood tests can detect mold DNA or antibodies (IgG/IgE) to identify mold exposure. Testing for example could find Aspergillus, a type of mold.. Most IMIs are caused by breathing in (inhaling) mold spores which are readily airborne.

Part of the life cycle of molds is the production or off gassing created by the active growth of mold. Compounds produced by mold consist of Microbial Volatile Organism Compounds (MVOCs) and mycotoxins.

If you have water damaged building materials,i you should expect some form of airborne toxin indoors. The levels will be higher and humans more suspectable to indoor expose to these toxins, simple because indoors you are recycling air where outdoors you experience a dilution factor to the toxins.

If have been tested and mold markers were found in your lab work, you need to evaluate for the presence of mold. This typically starts with a mold inspection and air sampling of your home to determine if mold is present. Expect multiple air samples all of which will be obtained in rooms you frequent, such as your bedroom, family room, kitchen, basement, etc. The findings will rule out areas for mold exposer or find the smoking gun so to speak.

It is documented that mycotoxin exposure can cause immune dysregulation, neurological disorders, cancer, and other health issues. How can you be exposed to molds toxic off gassing? Well it depends on the environment where the mold is growing.

For example let’s say you have mold testing performed and mold is found and one of the molds is Stachybotrys. This mold needs constant water to grow and its presence underscores a long term water issue. That said this spore creates satratoxin which is a trichothecene mycotoxin. Yes, its sounds bad and it is, exposure causes neurotoxicity and inflammation in the brain and induces apaptosis of the olfactory sensory neurons. Exposure can also cause fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds, pulmonary hemorrhage, chest pain, moist dermatitis, and fever.   It is also a wet sticky spore so more likly to be an irritantant when enghaled.

Let’s take a more ubiquitous spore, Cladosporium. Cladosporium when found in elevated concentrations in air samples they are a significant allergen. For asthmatics and people with respiratory diseases they are a large concern. . Cladosporium also produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are neurotoxic. Exposure to humans can cause severe headaches, seizures, and sleepiness.

Aspergillus which is commonly found growing on building materials including wood and sheetrock can cause immune suppression and is carcinogenic. It is toxic to cells (cytotoxic) and is a hemolytic mycotoxin, meaning it can destroy red blood cells.

My point being is that exposure to mold is often an overlooked health hazard, although the health hazard is well documented.  Properties are bought and sold without having a professional mold inspection performed. We find mold issues in one way shape or form in approximately 70% of the sites we inspect. Some have very minor issues, some are more significant. But all issues were only found from performing a professional evaluation.

Mold Questions?

Call the experts

888-301-1050

EPA Implements New Lead Dust Standards, which Take Effect January 12, 2026.

Lead is a neurotoxin that can irreversibly harm brain development in children, lower IQ, cause behavioral problems, and lead to lifelong health effects. It also affects other organs, including the liver and kidneys.

Because Lead is so harmful, the EPA has lowered the standard to be more protective of human health.

• Dust-lead hazard standards (DLHS): Testing is required for any reportable levels of lead
• Dust-lead clearance levels (DLCL):
• The new levels are 5 µg/ft2 for floor dust
• 40 µg/ft2 for windowsill sill dust
• 100 µg/ft2 for window troughs

The rule changes the game on lead in the following ways:

Increased Lead Abatement Needs:

Lead abatement contractors must meet stricter cleanliness standards after renovation or abatement activities, requiring more thorough cleaning.

Key Definition Changes:

The rule replaces "dust-lead hazard standards" with "dust-lead reportable levels" and "dust-lead clearance levels" with "dust-lead action levels".

Real Estate Mandatory Disclosure:

If a test shows levels above the new threshold, it is considered a lead hazard, which must be disclosed to potential tenants or buyers.

The rule reduces the level is allowed when a lead-abatement contractor finishes work on a property where lead has been identified as a problem. These levels would be 5 micrograms per square foot on the floor and 40 micrograms per square foot for sills.

Pertaining to the New Jersey Lead Safe Law, dust wipe towns will have to meet the new standards. Sites that fail the visual inspection have to perform a dust wipe after the hazard is addressed and meet the new standards.

New Jersey has until January 11, 2027, to utilize the new stricter standard. Landlords subject to the law must be more vigilant in property maintenance. Many sites that passed previously have avea high probability of failure under the new standard.

As the following chart shows levels have dropped by ½ on some surfaces.

Property owners, lead-based paint professionals and government agencies may identify dust-lead hazards in residential and childcare facilities built before 1978 after learning that a child living there has a high blood lead level, or because of requirements for housing receiving federal funding, among other reasons. If lead abatement is needed, EPA’s

Lead Background

Although the federal government banned lead-based paint for residential use in 1978, it is estimated that 31 million pre-1978 houses still contain lead-based paint, and 3.8 million of them have one or more children under the age of six living there. Lead-contaminated dust is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children, and even low levels of exposure can be harmful. Lead dust commonly results when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed. Due to normal behaviors such as crawling and hand-to-mouth activities, young children are particularly at risk of higher exposure to ingesting this lead-containing dust.

Historically, EPA set the same standard for the level of lead found in dust from old paint that has to be reported and the amount of lead that can remain in dust on floors, windowsills and window troughs after a lead paint abatement occurs. This action decouples the two levels, which were last updated in 2019 and 2021, respectively. This is being done in accordance with a May 2021 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion, which explains that dust-lead reportable levels (previously called dust-lead hazard standards) must be based solely on health factors, while the dust-lead action levels (previously called dust-lead clearance levels) must consider the additional factors of safety, effectiveness and reliability. Today’s rule aligns both standards with the best available science, further strengthening EPA’s efforts to protect children from lead hazards.