Though asbestos consists of naturally occurring minerals, this does not change the fact that it can be harmful. After it was discovered that asbestos worked well in being fire and heat resistant, it quickly became the insulation of choice. Banned from being used in construction in the United States in 1978, it would not be until the mid-1980’s until its use was completely stopped.
Construction Use of Asbestos
Any home or building that was built prior to 1980 will have the highest likelihood of having asbestos in at least one area. Typical use included around pipes, underneath flooring, under siding, and in popcorn ceilings. It is possible for 1990’s construction to still contain some asbestos. Vermiculite insulation, which is high in asbestos content, was used for quite some time.
Asbestos is widely considered one of the most dangerous building materials ever to be used. However, it is important to note that asbestos exposure is preventable. A certified San Diego home inspector will be able to tell you whether or not asbestos, or other potentially harmful elements, are present in your home, or a home you are considering purchasing.
Asbestos Safety Tips and Guidelines
Asbestos should not be disturbed. Imminent risk will not present itself if the asbestos is still in good condition and left untouched. Friable, or damaged asbestos, will present a much greater risk. Asbestos can be located in many different areas throughout the home. Some of these areas include:
- Roofing shingles
- Insulation
- Pipe coverings
- Joint compounds
- Electrical wiring
- Furnace cement and fire bricks
- Gaskets
A home inspection is the best method of determining whether or not hazardous materials such as asbestos are present in the home. Technological advances have made it possible for inspectors to quickly determine the need for any concern. Local home inspectors are aware of standards, regulations, and laws in regard to material defects. This will include defects present in both the structure itself, as well as various components.
When asbestos is disturbed, it will release tiny fibers into the air. When these fibers are inhaled they are deposited into the lungs. Lung cancer in the form of mesothelioma can be caused by lengthy periods of exposure to asbestos. The latency period of mesothelioma can be as long as fifty years. By the time symptoms develop, late diagnosis and decreased treatment options are likely. It is important to note that not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop cancer. Know that exposure is completely preventable.
Removal of Asbestos and Green Insulation
Public programs are in place to help educate citizens about asbestos. Information about the importance of the home inspection and what to do should asbestos be in the home is widely available. Should asbestos removal be needed, a licensed abatement contractor will need to perform the removal task. These specialists are trained to handle toxic materials, and possess equipment that aids in a safe removal process.
On the state and federal level, building methods are being upgraded to include insulation that is safe for both people and the environment. Cotton and lcynene foam are two alternatives that have shown themselves to be effective and safe. Recycled cotton fibers and now being widely used. Once treated, these fibers become fireproof. Lcynene foam offers excellent insulation properties, and is considered to be very safe. Both of these work just as well as asbestos, yet do not carry the same health risks that asbestos presents.
