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Asbestos Removal |
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| Abestos is a natural fibrous mineral from the serpentine rock. Asbestos was manufactured and woven to be used for its property to stand up to extreme temeratures. This material, resistance to heat, along with the fact that it's fibrous makeup and low cost brought it to the attention of manufactures who then would produce products from house siding, insulation to paper products for more than 60 years. |
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| Then the discovery was made that this material was possible a carcinogenic and was hazardous when inhaled. This suggested that it may caused mesothelioma and asbestosis in the 1970's. The EPA restricted its use and began a 10 year period where the material would be phased out of products, as by that time it was estimated approxamately 25 million American homes had a new type of pollutant, invisible and menacing lingering in their homes indoor atmosphere. Many of the materials made and used were for the building tradel Homes had to be rid of the hazard prior to selling as it became a liability issue to expose potential buyers to a known hazard such as Asbestos. A recent, however not clinical and difintive research, has linked these diseases to incidental exposure in the home. This is problematic as the long term effects of so called "low level" exposure as opposed to "high level" exposure from installing and working with the material daily are not conclusive. It is known however that the fibers of Aesbestos tend to attach themselves permanently to lung tissue with long term exposure causing the diseases mentioned and cancer. According to the EPa, there is "no safe exposure" to airbonre asbestos and it's continue use is not warrented. The State of Washington Department of Ecology issues this warning their website about Abestos: |
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| WARNING |
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| "Disturbed asbestos is very hazardous to building occupants and visitors. |
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| Non-friable (contained) asbestos that is left in place is not very hazardous to building occupants. |
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| Safe removal of asbestos usually requires respirators, liquid wetting agents, a negative air pressure enclosure and special training to prevent worker and building occupant exposure to the microscopic fibers. Certified abatement contractors have the training and equipment and will do air monitoring to make certain asbestos is not released during the project. Certified abatement contractors are listed in the phone book under 'Asbestos Abatement', 'Asbestos Consulting' and ' Environmental and Ecological Services'." |
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| In an older home, Asbestos can be in many places. Any home built prior to 1980 may have this in the home in things such as vinyl flooring or backing, Plaster and Dry wall and the "mud" or joint compound that finishes the seams. In Fireplacesa the floor that the wood sits on could be made of asbestos, as well as artificial wood or coals for gas burning fireplaces. It can be found in insulation in attics or the cellulose type that is blown in cement blocka for insulation. Shingles prior to 1980 were made of asbestos as well as the under layment paper for roofs. Ducting is the most common place that asbestos is found. Wrapped around furnace and ac ducting, the pad that the furnaces or pads that a boiler sits on, all may have asbestos insulating them. Old insulated electrical wiring should also be avoided and when remodeling new wire should be used and the old left alone and contained. |
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| If you suspect you may have asbestos in your home and it is in good condition, best thing is to leave it alone and cover it thus containing it. How ever laboratory testing is needed to see the microscopic make up the fibers that may be in manufactured products prior to 1980 are indeed Aesbestos. Healthy Homes, Inc. can help you find a certified Asbestos Abatement contractor in your area. The good news is that this hazard is relatively easy to identity and be removed by a certified contractor. The Federal EPA website. has information for all who question if they have Asbestos in their homes on finding a qualified contractor. Be assured that contractors represented here have the proper qualifications and state and federal certificates and insurance. How ever as the home owner or building owner, this information will help for you to understand your part in the abatement process. |
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