You’re touring an empty home. But did the last residents really leave it empty?
When most homeowners walk into their new home, they have a blank slate to renovate, decorate, or simply move their furniture in and start living. But what about the invisible things left behind by the last residents? In this article we’re going to look at things you can’t see that you might have to get rid of after they leave (and pay to do it!).
Thirdhand smoke: Cigarette smoke and marijuana smoke are easily recognized by their distinctive odors and you’ll know if you walk into the former home of a heavy smoker. However, if other drugs were smoked or manufactured, it’s not so easy to tell. Regarding methamphetamines (“meth”), people have described the smell of meth in different ways, comparing it to cleaning products, burnt plastic, and the smell of sulfur (similar to rotten eggs). In some instances, it may even resemble the scent of a hospital or medical facility…Yet, it’s important to note that unless you are present in the same room while someone is using meth or stumble upon a meth lab, detecting meth use solely through its smell can be challenging. (A Parent’s Guide to Unlocking the Mystery of Drug Smells) For this reason, sadly many people do not even know they’ve rented or purchased a home where meth use or manufacture is putting their loved ones at risk. You can be exposed to meth residues orally, dermally (through the skin) or by inhalation. (Exposure to Methamphetamine in Contaminated Residential Properties: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Airborne Exposure)
The Nugent family purchased a home in Mooresville, Indiana. The previous homeowner did not disclose that meth was in their home, but shortly after moving in, the Nugent children became constantly sick and struggled to sleep. After hearing a neighbor’s comment, they decided to have the home tested for meth and the first test revealed meth levels three times the legal limit. When meth is smoked, dangerous chemicals are released into the air that can cling to clothing, carpets and walls, but at the time of their purchase, it was not a legal requirement to disclose whether meth was smoked in the home. (Buy A Meth House Unawares And Pay The Health Consequences) The Nugent family paid to have the house decontaminated (they had to move out during the process) but ultimately decided to sell the home, taking a loss. They emphasize that even if state disclosure laws are put in place, disclosure relies on the seller’s honesty.
Similarly, fentanyl also leaves residues behind, and if testing reveals that fentanyl residues are present, professional decontamination is suggested for safety. The technicians will probably start with HEPA vacuuming, then use sprays and manual wiping. It is know that simply spraying water (with or without detergent) alone can physically remove 70–90% of fentanyl (the fentanyl is recovered by wiping up the runoff). (Decontamination options for indoor surfaces contaminated with realistic fentanyl preparations) Powdered fentanyl can also be “degraded” using peracetic acid or activated hydrogen peroxide, according to the EPA. (Remediation of Fentanyl Contaminated Indoor Environments) Smoking fentanyl is now becoming as or more common than taking it in powder or pill form, and smoke residues can be left on surfaces and even in HVAC systems, as the system moves air throughout the home.
For this reason, if you suspect at all that drug use occurred in the home, it’s important to have the HVAC tested as well. If contaminated, hard surfaces inside the system can be cleaned by professional HVAC technicians, but in our experience, flexible ductwork would need to be replaced. (Summary of Exposure Reduction Practices for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Residue in Shelters and Housing Facilities)
Deceased wildlife: When I bought a home in the southeastern US in 2017, I was so happy to be moving from a city into the country. I didn’t realize, though, how much “country” I was moving in with. After less than a week I started to smell a sickening sweet smell once in a while. The previous owners had burned candles during the open house, so I didn’t notice it at all before purchasing it. After living in the home for about 6 months, I decided to get a chimney inspection and cleaning to get ready for the winter so I could use my fireplace safely. Upon opening the 2nd flue that used to be an outdoor fireplace, the chimney cleaner removed two duck carcasses, and the source of the smell. These poor things (likely wood ducks) had flown down the chimney looking for a place to nest, and came to a dead end at the bottom. Similarly, I found about a dozen mouse carcasses in a wall where they came in the top, fell down the wall cavity, and couldn’t get out. I removed the baseboard and cut the drywall away just below the top of the baseboard to expose the carcasses sitting on the bottom plate (2x4). If you notice even the slightest smell of death, it’s best to investigate thoroughly til you find it, because dead animals can attract insects and breed bacteria and diseases.
Dust Mites: If your “new” used home has carpeting, you may want to pay to have it steam-cleaned before moving in. Dust mites can live two to four months in carpets, especially in humid climates (you know, the kind that should be air conditioned and dehumidified all year long). If the former residents recently moved out and the air conditioning was turned off, allowing humidity in the house to soar, their dust mites are still “living the good life” in the carpets, waiting for new humans and pets to move in with them. They lay eggs frequently and also poop a lot – roughly 20 times a day. Those fecal pellets are the major source of the powerful allergens they produce. The tiny pellets are just the right size to become airborne, too, so even walking across a carpet, sitting on a sofa, or moving a pillow can send them flying – and into people’s airways. Once the pellets get kicked up, they don’t settle back down for 15 to 30 minutes. (Allergy Control: How to Defeat Dust Mites, a Big Trigger)
Lead Dust: If your “new” used home was built before 1978, it’s more likely to have lead paint in it, and there for lead dust. As far as dust goes, a little goes a long way, and this is very toxic, especially to children! Experts often use this mental exercise to help visualize lead’s extreme toxicity: “One sugar-packet worth of Lead dust, if sprinkled evenly across an entire football field, would be enough to contaminate that entire football field to nearly eight times the amount that would poison a child.” Wow! If you’re a parent, or any children regularly enter or play at your home, please read our article on the many sources of lead in our environment. It’s eye-opening, and maybe enough to make you re-consider renovating an historic home for your family.
Mold and bacteria: Water-damaged buildings (WDB) have the same problems as water-damaged cars–sometimes they’re never the same. With an excellent renovation, the water source is removed, all of the waterlogged material is removed, any mold is removed, and it’s all reconstructed. But not every renovation company is attentive to test for mold and bacterial growth before, during and after (it’s especially important to test before everything is put back together!). Also, you may miss a major reservoir of mold and bacteria: the HVAC system. It’s common to find mold in the air handler of HVAC systems, especially in humid climates. Additionally, the bacteria Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaire’s disease, can grow there too (it can live in lakes, streams and even drinking water). Therefore, if you are considering a home that’s been renovated from water damage, or is located in a humid climate, you might want to have it tested for mold and bacteria. Humid areas like the bathroom, basement, and the air handler are good places to start. We have mini Humidity Sensors that you can carry around to check different rooms; any area that stays above 60% long-term will allow mold to grow.
Sadly, home sellers/landlords are not all honest. That’s why you’ll need to start thinking like a home inspector (we have another article here) to safeguard yourself, your family and pets, by looking for ways to avert the invisible dangers like those mentioned above. Give us a shout for help on these air quality related issues!
Photo by Steven Wright on Unsplash
