Common Environmental Issues Found During Inspections in Commercial Properties

Do you own a commercial property in California?

Yes?

You must be aware that environmental compliance in the state isn’t just a checkbox you need to tick. Owning a commercial property has never been that simple.

However, complying with environmental regulations is the foundation for protecting your investment and ensuring tenant safety.

The stakes in the commercial real estate market are already high in California. If you also overlook common environmental issues, you might end up facing some high-end consequences.

So, whether it is undetected asbestos, mold growth, or poor indoor air quality, these are all more than just inconveniences – they’re serious risks. They can harm your tenants, reduce your property’s value, and can also result in costly regulatory fines or legal battles.

What can you do about these?

The best solution is getting a commercial property inspection. These inspections can help identify hidden dangers before they become costly issues. This will also ensure that your property meets state standards and remains a safe and compliant space.

This blog will discuss the most common environmental issues uncovered during commercial inspections.

Asbestos Contamination

You might not know, but your property could be asbestos-contaminated, and the reason dates back to when it was built.

Asbestos was once used for fireproofing and insulation in commercial buildings. However, it has been identified as a major health hazard and was banned in the late 20th century. If you own an older commercial property in California, there is a chance that it has asbestos in its insulation, flooring, roofing, and even ceiling tiles.

Also, if you have had any renovations or repairs, or even if there is any regular wear and tear, the fibers can become airborne. If inhaled, they can pose serious health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Because of this, asbestos contamination is one of the most dangerous environmental issues commercial property owners may face.

In California, strict regulations emphasize proper asbestos testing and abatement procedures during building inspections, renovations, or demolitions. Failure to address this issue might result in legal liabilities, high fines, and significant health risks to tenants and workers.

Mold Growth

California offers a diverse climate (you must already be aware of this). This poses a persistent issue for you, especially if you own a property in regions with high humidity or areas prone to rain and flooding.

Mold thrives in damp areas, making spaces like HVAC systems, basements, and bathrooms vulnerable. If you consider mold just an aesthetic problem, you need to think again. It is also a health concern that poses serious health risks to tenants and employees. So, if they are complaining about respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and compromised indoor air quality, it is most probably because of mold.

In California, certain regions experience high humidity, rain, and water intrusion. Is the region where you own a commercial property also going through these weather challenges? Yes? Then, mold should be more of a red flag for you as it can develop quickly, especially if you don’t properly manage your property.

During mold inspections, inspectors look for signs of musty odors, water damage, and visible mold growth. Not only this, but they also conduct mold-specific tests to assess air quality and the extent of infestation. So, it is always better to conduct an inspection. If left unchecked, mold growth will damage your property and lead to costly remediation efforts and potential legal liabilities.

Lead-Based Paint

This is another significant issue that is commonly discovered in commercial inspections. If your commercial property was constructed before 1978, then there is a high chance the inspection will reveal this environmental concern. This is because many commercial properties still contain lead-based paint, posing serious health hazards. Also, if you recently renovated your property or underwent maintenance, it may have disturbed the paint – making the issue more serious.

Lead exposure can lead to severe health problems, including neurological damage, particularly in children and pregnant women, but it also affects adults who are frequently exposed.

When inspecting your property, inspectors look for different signs of this issue, such as:

• Peeling paint
• Cracking paint
• Chipping paint

Again, considering California’s strict regulations, you need to remediate them ASAP.

Remember, regular inspections are the best way to address this issue early. This will help ensure compliance with state and federal laws and protect the well-being of your workers and occupants in the building.

Radon Exposure

You must have heard about this before, right?

If you didn’t, it is all good. Let us walk you through it.

Radon is a significant environmental issue that is often discovered in California’s inland regions. So, if you own your property in Sacramento, Riverside, Fresno, Bakersfield, Ontario, or Stockton, you will likely uncover this issue in your commercial property.

It is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. When it seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations or gaps in walls, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. Did you know that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer? So, it is better to handle it right away before the problem worsens and it becomes a serious health risk for tenants and employees.

Most of the time, many property owners are unaware of radon (you might be too) until it is detected during a professional inspection. If you’re expecting some sort of signs, then nope, you can’t sense its presence without proper testing.

So, if you want to address radon issues, you need to conduct regular radon testing. If high radon levels are detected, mitigation systems should be installed to reduce the gas concentrations.

Conclusion

Common environmental issues like asbestos contamination, mold growth, lead-based paint, and radon exposure pose significant risks to your Californian commercial property.

If you choose to ignore these hazards, you may suffer unwanted consequences. These could range from serious health concerns for your tenants and costly legal liabilities to potential financial loss.

This is why it is better to conduct regular commercial property environmental inspections. They can help uncover hidden environmental dangers and ensure compliance with California’s strict regulations.

Once you address these issues through professional testing and mitigation, you can protect your property and create a healthier environment for everyone who works or visits it.

With Elite Commercial Inspections, ensure your commercial property is safe, compliant, and free from hidden environmental risks. Our expert team provides thorough inspections tailored to uncover potential hazards like asbestos, mold, lead-based paint, and radon, ensuring your property meets California’s regulations. Protect your investment and the well-being of your tenants with a comprehensive commercial inspection. Don’t wait—schedule your inspection today and secure peace of mind for your business!