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Then the discovery was made that this
material was possibly carcinogenic and was hazardous
when inhaled. It was suggested that it may have caused
Mesothelioma and lung cancer in the 1970's. The EPA
restricted its use and began a 10-year period where
the material would be phased out of products. By that
time it was estimated approximately 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 trades.
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 definitive 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 Asbestos 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 airborne asbestos and
it's continue use is not warranted. The State of Washington
Department of Ecology issues this warning their website
about Asbestos:
WARNING
"Disturbed asbestos is very hazardous
to building occupants and visitors.
Non-friable (contained) asbestos that is left in place
is not very hazardous to building occupants.
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 sometimes referred to 'Asbestos Abatement',
'Asbestos Consulting' and ' Environmental and Ecological
Services' contractors."
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 Fireplaces 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 blocks for insulation. Shingles
prior to 1980 were made of asbestos as well as the under
lament 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.
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. However laboratory
testing is needed to see the microscopic make up the
fibers that may be in products manufactured prior to
1980 are Asbestos. 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. As the homeowner or building
owner, this information is here for you to understand
your part in the abatement process.
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