We've all heard horror stories of houses that made homeowners sick. From mold growing in the walls to asbestos around the pipes in the basement, it seems there is always some way for our homes to surprise us with a potential health risk.

When Home Renovation Uncovers Problems

Sometimes, bad things happen to good homes. The worst of the issues are often undetected until the big home remodeling project, when those old walls, floors, and ceilings are opened up. Here's how to spot the home security risks inside your house, and what to do about them.

• Radon gas. The second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, radon gas is odorless, tasteless, and completely invisible. Test kits from the Environmental Protection Agency can detect the presence of radon and then you can begin the process of mitigation.
• Lead paint. Today's modern paints do not use lead, but if your home was built before 1977, you might have lead on your walls, windows, and doors. Home renovation can stir up the lead particles, and that can lead to serious health problems. A contractor working with lead paint will take special precautions to keep the particles out of the air.
• Asbestos. For many years, asbestos fiber was used in everything from flooring tiles to insulation. If left alone, asbestos poses little threat. But when home remodeling disturbs asbestos, the fibers released in the air are carcinogens that can be harmful if inhaled. When asbestos is disturbed, a contractor should be well-versed in how to mitigate the issue.
• Mold. The result of excessive moisture, mold can grow on many surfaces in the home, including between the walls and in the ceiling. Removing surface mold can be an easy job; removing mold from behind drywall and finding a remedy for the moisture problem is a bit harder. Call in professional help to handle mold, and work to keep the humidity down inside your home.
• Formaldehyde. Found in products with pressed wood, including furniture, subflooring, and cabinets, formaldehyde is a gas that can cause life-threatening allergic reactions in some people. If at all possible, avoid purchasing items that contain formaldehyde.
• Volatile organic compounds. Found in paints, cleansers, stored fuel, and other common household items, VOCs can cause serious health issues in a short period of time. Avoid the problem by avoid the VOCs. Search for products that are certified low-VOC or no-VOC.

Your home might have danger lurking behind the walls, but with a little smart homework, you can decrease the potential health issues in even the oldest house.