Old buildings can have a certain charm about them. Whether it’s because of their timeless design, higher-quality building materials, or historical value, owners often want to keep their buildings in their original state if possible. However, this can come with some risks.
With older buildings, you get a complicated history that may not be entirely up to code. Despite this, many people still want to live in or own one. Here are some of the dangers of old buildings that everyone should know.
Old buildings often lack proper ventilation, creating a high-moisture environment in which molds will thrive. Although most types are relatively harmless, having too much built up in the interior of a building can be harmful or even fatal in some situations. It can grow on all types of surfaces and can affect respiration in some people.
The problem with mildew is that it can be hard to detect until it becomes a problem. If you think you might have black mold in your building, test for it immediately.
Many people used lead in the past for everything from cosmetics to currency, and it was no different for buildings. Because people thought it was safe, they used lead for construction projects without a second thought. Lead paint dries faster and lasts longer, and lead pipes are resistant to leaks while still being malleable. However, over the past few decades, the adverse health effects of lead have become apparent.
Lead exposure can cause various symptoms ranging from joint pain to trouble sleeping. Many people don’t show the ill effects of lead poisoning until it’s too late. Coma, seizures, and even death can come with high lead amounts in the body, making it especially important to check a building for leftover lead materials.
At one point in time, asbestos was widespread in homes and industrial applications because of its heat-resistant properties. Manufacturers used to use it in home construction to prevent fires and maintain heat efficiency. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can lead to lung diseases and other respiratory issues.
Starting in the 1980s, construction crews no longer used asbestos because of the health effects that it poses to the public, opting instead for more modern types of insulation, such as fiberglass. However, any buildings made before could potentially contain asbestos.
We never used radon to build anything, but it’s a gas that occurs naturally in the ground. It also exists in the air at low levels, and too much can be poisonous, adding to the dangers of confined spaces.
No matter how old your building is, it’s vital to have it inspected to make sure that you can ventilate any excess radon outdoors. Property owners should test the lower parts of their buildings for radon since that’s where it builds up.
It’s not hard to picture why old buildings can pose such a risk. Without a proper inspection, you can miss a wide variety of things. Whether it’s radon or dangerous confined spaces, it’s important to know about these issues when buying an old building. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself, such as testing for radon or learning about confined-space rescues.
Knowing the dangers of old buildings will keep you healthy and out of harm, no matter where you live.
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