Why You Should Test for Asbestos, Lead, Mold & Radon Before Renovating Your Home

Renovating your home can be exciting—new finishes, more space, and a fresh start. But before the first swing of the sledgehammer, there’s something critical homeowners often overlook: environmental testing. Hidden health hazards like asbestos, lead, mold, and radon can lurk in older homes, and disturbing them during renovation can put your health—and your renovation timeline—at serious risk.

At Precision Environmental Services, we specialize in identifying these threats before they become a costly and dangerous problem. Here’s why environmental testing should be your first step before any remodeling project.

Asbestos: The Hidden Danger in Building Materials

Asbestos was widely used in homes built before the 1980s—in insulation, floor tiles, joint compound, roofing, and even popcorn ceilings. When left undisturbed, asbestos can be harmless. But during renovation, cutting, sanding, or demolishing materials can release dangerous fibers into the air.

• Health Risk: Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
• Testing Benefit: Identifying asbestos before renovation allows for safe, regulated removal—avoiding exposure, fines, and delays.

Lead Paint: A Serious Risk for Children and Pregnant Women

Lead-based paint is another common concern in homes built before 1978. While painted surfaces might seem fine, renovation activities like scraping, sanding, or demolishing can release lead dust into the air.

• Health Risk: Even small amounts of lead can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues, especially in children.
• Testing Benefit: A certified lead inspection helps determine if lead-safe work practices or abatement are required, keeping your family and workers safe.

Mold: A Threat to Indoor Air Quality

Moisture issues or water damage can lead to mold growth—often hidden behind walls, under floors, or in HVAC systems. Remodeling can stir up spores or spread mold to unaffected areas.

• Health Risk: Mold exposure can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Testing Benefit: Mold testing identifies contaminated areas so they can be safely remediated before renovation, preventing further spread and protecting air quality.

Radon: The Invisible, Odorless Killer

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps up from the soil into homes—especially through cracks in the foundation. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking.

• Health Risk: Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Testing Benefit: Pre-renovation radon testing, particularly in basements or lower levels, ensures your home stays safe after construction—especially if you're finishing a basement or adding new HVAC systems that alter airflow. It will also help you to plan the radon mitigation system around your floorplan.

Renovating Responsibly Starts with Testing

Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or opening walls, environmental testing should be the first line of defense in any project plan. At Precision Environmental Services, we offer fast, certified testing for:

• Asbestos
• Lead-based paint
• Mold and indoor air quality
• Radon gas

Our team helps you navigate local regulations, avoid costly remediation surprises, and protect everyone on site—homeowners, children, pets, and contractors.

Ready to Renovate? Let’s Make Sure It’s Safe.

Before you demo, drill, or dust, make sure you’re doing it right. Contact Precision Environmental Services at 708-625-4488 today to schedule your pre-renovation environmental assessment.

Let us help you breathe easier and restore peace of mind.