What Hidden Dangers Lurk within Your Home: Asbestos
Modern science has alerted us to numerous minerals, compounds and other substances that once were considered useful, but now are labeled hazardous and must be disclosed in most real estate transactions. Asbestos, a mineral, is resistant to fire and retains heat very effectively. It was a popular component in building materials for residental, commercial and public buildings such as schools until the late 1970's.
Let's look at some of the common uses of asbestos as a building component. 
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Roofing materials
both felt and shingles were used because of its long life
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Insulation around boiler systems
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Insulation to retain heat in piping throughout the building
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Used in flooring products because of its long life
In the past removal of all asbestos was recommended, but today most experts suggest leaving it alone if the product is in good condition. Removing asbestos can be even more dangerous and unhealthy. Asbestos removal must be done by a licensed abatement contractor and properly disposed of.
Long term exposure to damaged asbestos and/or workers who handled asbestos can contact Mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer.
More details about the danger of asbestos are available from the Mesothelioma Center and at www.asbestos.com , one of the resources I used in writing this post.
A helpful article: Green Modifications Lead to Reduction of Asbestos Exposure in Homes from Mesothelioma Center.
Updated 7-6-09
Reduce Exposure of Asbestos with Green Modifications
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Future posts will address other dangers that lurk within our homes, schools, offices and public buildings such as radon, carbon monoxide, lead, UFFI, mold and EMF's. All these topics are covered in Pennsylvania Real Estate classes available through Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate.
www.alankells.com Mary Yonkers, instructor
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Mary - I once built a home for myself in a neighborhood that REQUIRED asbestos shingles on the roof. The developer felt the shingles would provide a more uniform look as they last many times longer than conventional shingles. Wonder what we're using today that will be discovered to be a hazard in future years.