Once referred to as a miracle product, asbestos has been linked to cancer and other serious ailments when exposed to its fibers. The EPA has identified over 3,000 products used in buildings containing asbestos fibers. Friable asbestos, as defined by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency as any material, which may be pulverized with hand pressure. This material has the potential to release asbestos material fibers into the atmosphere and can be hazardous to building occupants who come in contact with the asbestos are still manufactured today and not considered hazardous unless cut, sawed, or grounded in a manner that might release harmful asbestos fibers into the atmosphere.

Lead based paint (LBP) was used extensively in buildings and structures that were constructed prior to 1978 and can be hazardous when damaged (i.e., chipped, broken, crumbling, pulverized); lead is toxic to humans particularly children, if ingested, inhaled or otherwise absorbed. Exposure to lead can cause health problems in children ranging from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. In adults the health problem can range from difficulties during pregnancy, other reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems and muscle and joint pain.

New York City recently passed Local Law 1 on August 1st, 2004, which put more responsibility on building owners to insure lead paint does not become harmful to tenants.

Mold contamination has recently become the cause of rising public concern. Even though the issue of mold has been around for decades-it appears now that the growing public awareness fueled by news media sources is starting to galvanize a demand by both commercial and residential dwellers for mold-free environments and workplaces.

The increased awareness has accounted for a proliferation of tenant-landlord and employee mold exposure litigation. As a result, building management of both residential and commercial properties are now compelled to get up to speed dealing with this newly emerging issue. The awareness of mold and its multiple hazards has not been given attention as much as asbestos or lead paint. However this past year, New York Sen. Carl Marcellino formed a task force to develop legislation designed to clear the air about mold contamination, insurance coverage, and property managers. Also, New York Superintendent of Insurance Greg Serio, is an active member of the "mold contamination advocacy community".

Mold community not only creates a serious health hazard with a variety of on-going illnesses, infections, and disease- its presence can lower the value of the real estate in question.

Mold is often encountered after flooding, catastrophic damage, or as a result of construction defects or damage to building components which allow moisture to be trapped within a building. Since mold can often be contained beyond visible areas it is difficult to control these potential risks from underneath floors, inside walls, and in HVAC systems without the help of professionals. Recently there have been a great deal of innovative approaches and technology applied to the accurate investigation and remediation of mold contamination such as the use of fiber optic cameras and the use of robotic cameras to view the interior of HVAC ducts that can view inaccessible areas with minimal damage to interior structures and fixtures.

In order to prevent further contamination the source of moisture should be eliminated and comprehensive structural drying should be performed by qualified professionals. Should a building become mold contaminated there are ways to successfully remediate a condition either by removal of contaminated materials by specialized containment and decontamination procedures or by using advanced anti microbial agents and encapsulates to kill and inhibit re-growth of mold.