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Asbestos: Some Helpful Links

By
Real Estate Agent with Bean Group / Franklin

As a REALTOR®, I have been in a lot of homes that were built between the 1940's and 1980's that contain Asbestos, and I hadn't given much thought to the fact that my clients and I might be facing some possible hazards just by our brief visits to these homes. But today, I received an e-mail from Paul James, the Awareness Coordinator for Asbestos.com, asking if I would be interested in sharing information about Asbestosis and Mesolthelioma Cancer and Green Insulation Alternatives in my blog. It made me curious and I did some research. My research provided me with a better understanding of Asbestos; it's natural occurrence in the environment and it's hazards. It also provided me with some precautions that I'd like to share with you. (Bear in mind, there is a subtle Legal influence on the website I've mentioned below, but I did not find it intrusive.)

Now, please, do not panic and feel that you have to wear hazmat clothing wherever you go. Your task is to do your due diligence, like I did, and find out what asbestos is and what the possible risks might be. Then you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Here is a great Asbestos Resource to begin your own research. Credit for this article goes to the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for submitting the information in the article

Mesothelioma Website

What is Asbestos? 'Asbestos' is the term given to naturally occurring mineral fibers used for commercial purposes, such as the insulation of homes. The mineral fibers' innate resistence to fire and heat, as well as its reluctance to conduct electricity, are what make it popular for insulation. It's string-like fibers are easy to twist into thread and to weave into fabric for fire retardant clothing, too. It's this string-like quality, however, that has made it dangerous.

What Makes Asbestos Dangerous? The string-like fibers become unbound and float in the atmosphere. They are then inhaled. 'The shape of these fibers reacts negatively with human tissue and biological processes. When inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can become lodged in the tissues of the linings of organs, most commonly the lungs and digestive system. Over time, the lodged fibers cause inflammation and cellular damage, which can eventually lead to a variety of terminal diseases', such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, the severest form of asbestos caused cancer. (from the website, asbestos.com)

So what precautions should you take when you know you are around asbestos? First, there is no way to know for sure if you've been around asbestos. If the home or building has been abated for asbestos, there may be some record somewhere, but not always where you can see it. Here are some tips from the asbestos.com website:

  • 'Use paved trails rather than open soil to hike, bike, walk, or jog; wheeled vehicles such as mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and ATVs are especially likely to throw dust into the air.
  • Perform outdoor activities in areas where the ground is covered with mulch, wood chips, sand, pea gravel, grass, asphalt, or rubber.
  • Label soil that does not contain asbestos. Never dig without wetting the soil thoroughly to keep the asbestos in the soil instead of the air.
  • Do not use a leaf blower. It is better to use water to clear sidewalks and patios, or at least to wet the surface dust down before clearing it with a broom (that should be left outside).
  • Prevent the family or pets from tracking dry soil into the house - use doormats or remove shoes. Do not allow the pets to bring in dry dust from outside.
  • Keep windows and doors closed when it is windy or when any of the neighbors are digging for construction, gardening, or other purposes.
  • Drive slowly over unpaved roads with the car windows closed, and share your concern with local authorities. Get the car washed often and pave your own driveway and walkways.
  • Always use wet rags and mops to clean up dust from furniture, floors, and outdoor equipment. Wash the rags before they dry, and never shake a dust mop or rag to clean it.
  • Use washable area rugs on easily mopped floors; wash both often.
  • Vacuum the carpet often and use a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, and wet down the contents of the dust cup before emptying.'  
    • Finally, if you know you have asbestos in your home, have a professional perform an abatement.

    Greener Insulation: Here are a few of TreeHugger's (Colin Dunn) Picks for Green insulation Options: (Sorry, I can't add my own just yet.)

    1) Recycled paper insulation is made from 100% waste recycled newsprint and has been successfully installed in more than 1 million homes in the UK alone!
    2) HempFlax insulation uses mostly hemp fiber, with a little added polyester fibre for reinforcing. Soda acts as the fire retardant, and, as the hemp is naturally resistant to moths and beetles, extra chemical application is avoided.
    3) Concrete Blond's customized insulation panels create a false wall, behind which an insulating material can be placed; it's a great product for older homes with solid walls which would be difficult to insulate otherwise.
    4) Recycled denim insulation is 100% recyclable, VOC-free, and formaldehyde-free.
    5) Lloyd just added three new entrants in one entry to the archives, with recycled materials, LEED credits and positive air-quality features abounding.

    Again, this post is not meant to alarm anyone, only to inform. Feel free to add a comment about your favorite Green Insulation while you are here

    Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker®

    Comments (5)

    Christine McInerney
    Great Life RE - Knoxville, TN
    The McInerney Team, Knoxville TN Homes For Sale

    Frances great information about an important topic

    Jun 09, 2009 02:33 AM
    Frances Sanderson
    Bean Group / Franklin - Franklin, NH

    Christine and Jennifer... Thanks for checking out the post and commenting. I think it's important to get the facts as best you can and make informed decisions for yourself. If you find a good resource to pass on, then you've learned something that benefits you AND you've got one more value-added service to provide to your clients, right?   Fran

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