Homebuyers are increasingly concerned about environmental issues, not only because people care about the environment, but also because they want to be assured that when they purchase a home it will be free from environmental hazards that could potentially endanger themselves and their families. Home inspectors can be helpful if they are qualified to detect hazardous environmental conditions and their contract for services includes this kind of inspection.

Because almost all Americans use groundwater for drinking, an issue of primary concern is possible groundwater contamination. If any hazardous chemical wastes, pesticides, or other agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers have been improperly disposed of and have seeped down through the soil into underground water supplies, serious illnesses could develop from consumption of such water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that approximately 7,500 cases of illness linked to contaminated drinking water occur in the United States each year.

Other issues of concern include radon gas levels, the presence of asbestos in any building component, the presence of lead in exterior or interior paints, and any other hazardous waste that may have been dumped in the vicinity. Up-to-date information about environmental issues can be obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Contact the regional office whose jurisdiction you are located within because environmental issues and hazards vary from region to region and the local offices have the most locally relevant information.