What about environmental issues?

Every area may have different issues with the environment. Oklahoma is normally a low humidity state with higher than average summer heat, and high winds. Normally in the Spring and Fall we have our highest change of rain and storms. When it rains in Oklahoma it is typically concentrated in short heavy burst and usually accompanied by lightening, thunder, and high winds. The summer and winter are normally dry, although some snow and ice does occur in the winter months. The soil in Oklahoma in most areas have a heavy concentration of clay which can hold moisture for longer periods or when dry become very active in movement. How does this impact environmental issues.

First is in structure where the environment has an impact. Heavy clay soil when dry is often a finer particle than sand. If allowed to stay dry in a state that often has drought conditions, it can compromise the structure of your home. Often a good remedy is a sprinkler system with a drip line that is about 18 inches away from the base of the home. This can give you a more constant soil moisture during hot times and can help to avoid excessive movement of the foundation.

Radon Gas is a radioactive gas that comes from a natural process of decay in the soil. It is most prevalent in the North and East where basements are more common. With our clay soil basements are undesirable and rare. Since it is uncommon in Oklahoma and virtually unmeasurable, this is an issue that rarely gets tested.

Lead Based Paint was outlawed in 1978. In older homes it can still be present, but most homes have been repainted many times so it is not a normal issue that gets tested. Since lead paint is sweet, if you live in a home that has not been painted since 1978, and if it is flaking, then it could be hazardous to a child. If you want the test be sure to get soil samples around the home also.

Asbestos is found only in much older homes. Old boiler heating systems or insulation might have traces of asbestos. Boiler systems found in homes built before the 1930’s are a small minority of Oklahoma homes, and most have been upgraded to modern central heat and air. Insulation in well kept up homes does not contain enough asbestos to cause harm. I have seen old style siding that contained asbestos but again very few exist because of removal years ago.

Mold was once an issue of hysteria and lawsuits but has quieted considerably in the last ten years. The first problem is that the EPA has yet to decide what is acceptable or not acceptable unlike radon, lead based paint, and radon. The normal remedy is to clean with soap and water or Clorox. Toxic mold can actually be beneficial. In area likes you can see black mold that breaks down wood in water which is helpful to the environment. Again, if mold scares you by all means get a test.         

Joe Pryor
RE/MAX Associates
1900 S.E. 15th Street Bldg 500
Edmond, OK. 73013
Phone: 405-590-2135
Fax: 405-359-8729
 

Joe Pryor
RE/MAX Associates
1900 S.E. 15th Street Bldg 500
Edmond, OK. 73013
Phone: 405-590-2135
Fax: 405-359-8729