Dear Sammi SaferBuilder,

My husband and I are moving our family with two young children to a new home. I've heard of the possibility of unpleasant effects resulting from exposure to pesticides. How can I find out about the possible presence of pesticide residue in our new home, so I can avoid any nasty surprises? Signed, Mom Who Wants To Avoid Pesticides

Dear Safer Mom,

You're right to be concerned. There are many pesticides on the market which have not been thoroughly tested. In many cases, their adverse effects are discovered only years later. These may prove to be the source of severe health problems.

Testing for the thousands of pesticide residues that may be present in a home can be costly and ineffective. Some samples may contain pesticide residue, but others may not. Sampling can be an inexact science. It can be a lengthy and cumbersome process.

Here is a better solution: Instead, you can ask the seller (or property owner) to fill out our SaferBuilder™ forms on Pesticide Residue (SaferBuilding™ Pesticide Residue Environmental Disclosure Form).

The form will ask them to them sign, under penalty of perjury, the property history. You'll get many of the answers you need, and will have a much clearer idea about the likelihood of pesticide residue on the property. You will also have the seller or property owner on record in the event that failure to disclose becomes an issue.

Other forms you may find useful:

SaferBuilding™ Neighborhood Environmental Disclosure Form
SaferBuilding™ Walls & Repairs Environmental Disclosure Form
SaferBuilding™ Maintenance Environmental Disclosure Form
SaferBuilding™ Flooring Environmental Disclosure Form

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