PSI Oklahoma Real Estate Complete Practice Test

The critical issue with houses built before 1978 primarily revolves around lead-based paint. This concern arises because homes constructed during this period commonly utilized lead-based paint for both interior and exterior surfaces. Lead is a toxic metal that can have severe health implications, particularly for children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can result in developmental issues, learning disabilities, and various health problems.

Due to these risks, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented regulations that mandate disclosure and specific handling of lead-based paint in homes built before 1978. Any real estate transaction involving such properties requires the seller to provide buyers with a lead disclosure form, informing them about the potential risks and guiding them toward lead-safe practices.

While other factors like insufficient insulation, old electrical wiring, and poor plumbing systems can also be concerns in older homes, they do not carry the same level of regulatory requirement or health hazard as lead-based paint. Therefore, when discussing critical issues specifically related to homes built before 1978, lead-based paint remains the primary focus due to its severe health implications and the established legal framework governing its management.