As the old saying goes, “everything is bigger in Texas,” including problems associated with asbestos. With a large petroleum industry based in the state, many problems have occurred as a result of oil companies using asbestos at their facilities. Giants such as Mobil, Shell and Gulf have been stationed in Texas. This industry has been one of the hardest hit in terms of asbestos problems, with millions exposed in the last century.
Although Texas has many stretches of rural areas, it also has a number of large cities where asbestos problems has been concentrated. Regarded as one of the most toxic and harmful building materials, asbestos exposure can cause significant health concerns. Potential Houston home buyers or those seeking to remodel or foreclose homes should be aware that homes built prior to 1980 maintain the potential of containing asbestos.
A naturally-occurring mineral, asbestos was used in the 20th century in many applications such as insulation, piping, brake lining and flooring. Asbestos made its name because of its resistance to fire and heat properties. A fatal lung-ailment known as malignant mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and studies show over 125 deaths were reported in 1999 from the disease. The abundance of asbestos incidents in the last 100 years has lead to mesothelioma attorney firms protecting and advocating victims’ rights. The asbestos scandal is one of the notable corporation and government cover-ups because information of asbestos harmful qualities was repressed from the public.
When involved in real estate, it is especially important to embark on the proper inspections to insure the safety of your clients, building workers and your reputation. Problems with asbestos in older buildings should be addressed in a rational manner. A good course of action is to identify materials which could harvest asbestos, mark the condition and establish a plan that addresses any negative condition in the building. Asbestos removal in homes, public facilities and buildings must be performed by licensed abatement contractors.
Citizen based organizations such as the Texas Department of Health Services help promote and protect the physical and environmental health of all citizens in Texas from asbestos. Striving to prevent exposure, they educate the public to gain understanding and compliance of state and federal laws. The type of contractor performing the inspection will determine the type of removal needed.
Once the removal is completed, green alternative options need to be given serious consideration such as lcynene, cellulose and cotton fiber. The Department of Energy concluded that cooling and heating counts for up to 50-70 percent of all energy used in the average home in the U.S. In today’s state, this philosophy can also save natural resources. These asbestos alternatives allow for a clean, healthy home, free of health damaging materials.
When selling a property in Texas, the Seller must disclose any knowledge of asbestos components. This is disclosed in the Seller's Disclosure Notice (TAR1406) for residential real estate. Commercial properties must have a Commercial Property Condition Statement (TAR 1408) or a similar property disclosure statement that state any knowledge of friable or non-friable asbestos components. Please consult your agent or real estate attorney for additional questions.
Special Thanks to:
Joe Lederman & Jesse Herman from the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.
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