Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most of us will ever make—and yet, it’s surprising how often the focus stays on paint colour, flooring and appliances, while the real threats lie in what we can’t see. According to an article from Realtor.com, three especially dangerous risks that often surface during a home inspection are: lead, asbestos and radon.

1. Lead: An Old Foe with New Risks

If the house was built before 1978 (in the U.S. context) or in older neighborhoods elsewhere, there’s a chance it contains lead-based paint—or worse, lead in plumbing or other building materials. The trouble is that when paint chips and weathers, or when plumbing corrodes, lead can leach into your household environment and pose long-term health risks.

As a buyer, don’t skip checking for: peeling old paint, the presence of lead disclosure documents (where required), and any signs of past renovation that might have disturbed lead-painted surfaces.

2. Asbestos: A Quiet But Dangerous Hazard

Asbestos was once prized for its heat-resistance and durability, so you can still find it lurking in older homes—in insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, ducts or even in textured ceilings. The issue? If disturbed or degraded, asbestos fibers become airborne and pose serious respiratory hazards.

For homebuyers that means asking: Does the inspection include an asbestos assessment? Are there materials in the home that look old or are in disrepair? If yes, budget for safe removal or encapsulation.

3. Radon: The Invisible Gas

Radon has no color, smell, or taste—but it can still creep into your home from the ground, especially if you have a basement or crawl space. This naturally occurring gas is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Always include radon testing in your home inspection, and if levels are high, plan ahead for mitigation costs and timing.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Many buyers go into the process thinking: “The home looks fine, the roof is new, no leaks—what’s the harm?” The truth is, duration of exposure matters, and these hazards can quietly accumulate cost—both in terms of health and dollars spent on remediation. One poorly-addressed hazard can turn an otherwise sound investment into a money pit or health concern.

What you can do

• Choose a home inspector who goes beyond the basics. Ask explicitly: “Does your inspection include lead, asbestos and radon screening?”

• Review disclosure documents (especially in older homes) and past renovation records.

• If hazards are flagged, get bids for remediation and factor them into your offer—either as a repair ask, a credit, or a renegotiation point.

• Remember: A cheaper inspection or waived inspection might seem tempting in a hot market, but the risk may be far greater.

• Consider making your home purchase contingent on a full hazard-screening condition if possible.

Final Thought

Buying a house is exciting, and it's easy to get lost in the vision of the space you’ll create. But it’s the unseen risks that can make or break peace of mind down the road. By proactively uncovering lead, asbestos and radon, you’re not just investing in walls and flooring—you’re investing in a safe and worry-free home for the long haul.