The Treasure Hunt That Could Kill You
Sometimes the most shocking attic discoveries aren’t dangers at all, but valuable items left behind by previous owners. From rare collectibles to cash, jewelry, and important documents, attics can hold surprising treasures. But the search for these hidden gems can expose homeowners to all the other dangers lurking in these neglected spaces.
Lisa Chen couldn’t believe what she found when she finally explored her attic thoroughly: a collection of vintage comic books worth over $15,000, along with old photographs and jewelry that had been forgotten for decades. “The previous owner had died, and I guess his family just missed these items when they cleaned out the house,” Lisa explains. “But finding them nearly cost me my health.”
In her excitement to explore further, Lisa spent hours in the dusty attic without proper protective equipment. The result was severe respiratory irritation from inhaled mold spores and a nasty infection from a cut she received from a rusty nail hidden under old insulation. “The comic books were amazing to find, but the medical bills and cleanup costs ended up being more than they were worth,” she admits.
Professional estate sale experts estimate that valuable items are overlooked in attics more often than most people realize. Previous owners or their families may forget about stored items, or they may be hidden behind insulation or in difficult-to-reach areas. Everything from antique furniture to rare books, vintage clothing, and even cash has been discovered in attics by new homeowners.
But these treasure hunts can be dangerous for the unprepared. The excitement of discovery can lead people to ignore basic safety precautions, exposing themselves to mold, asbestos, dangerous chemicals, or structural hazards. Sharp objects, rusty nails, and unstable flooring have caused serious injuries to treasure-seeking homeowners.
The smart approach is to conduct a thorough but safe initial survey of any attic space, looking for both valuables and hazards. Professional appraisers can help identify potentially valuable items, while safety experts can assess the risks before any extensive exploration begins.