Asbestos Awareness: Asbestos is contained in more than 3,000 different building products. If you are living in a home built before 1970, there is a good chance you may have asbestos containing materials in your home.

Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate that asbestos-containing materials can be found in more than 30,000 schools and 700,000 other public and commercial buildings in the U.S. Like managing any potentially harmful material, managing asbestos requires everyone's involvement.  Everyone should take the time to become aware of the hazards associated with asbestos and then take measures to protect themselves and others from harm.  The intent of my blog is to provide you with basic information regarding asbestos safety.  Additional information can be obtained from the Office of EPA, or contact EPA's Regional office

 What is Asbestos?  The term asbestos refers to a specific group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain types of rock formations.  Asbestos is mined in much the same way as other minerals, such as iron, lead and copper.  There are many varieties of asbestos but the three most common are chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Asbestos is any of several naturally occurring fibrous minerals once added to a variety of products, such as insulation, for heat and chemical resistance.

While it is often possible to "suspect" that a product or material contains asbestos by experience and visual inspection, actual determinations can only be made by laboratory analysis.  Until a material is tested, assume that it contains asbestos, there are dozens of testing and abatement companies in your area, do your home work before making a quick judgement.

What is the health hazards associated with asbestos?  Asbestos is only a hazard when small particles become airborne and are inhaled and they deposited within the lungs.  Increased incidence of illness (i.e. asbestosis and mesothelioma), have been observed in individuals who were constantly exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos in work environments such as mining, milling, shipbuilding, construction and manufacturing. 

Asbestos has aero dynamic property to stay afloat in the air because of the aspect ratio of it's fiber. Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the length of a fiber to it's diameter (e.g. 3:1, 5:1 aspect ratios). Acbestos fibers are some what identical to the ratio of the WINGS of an AIR PLANES. They can stay afloat for looong time in the atmosphere. These fibers cling on to the lungs, penetrate and turn into a medical problem

Examples of Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found In The Home

• Not all but some roofing shingles contain Asbestos.

• Buidings constructed during 1930 and 1970 have chances of containing asbestos as insulation.

• Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.

• Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.

• Older/ancient Woodburning stoves, stove-top pads may have some asbestos materials.

• Vinyl floor tiles generally 9" X 9" size, vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives have good possibility of asbestos contents.

• Hot water pipes in older houses may have asbestos material for insulation.

• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

What Should Be Done About Asbestos In The Home?

If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present.

Protect yourself:  Use the following measures to protect you and others from exposure to airborne asbestos:Must check asbestos test results prior to cutting, drilling, sanding, or grinding "suspect" asbestos containing materials.

Do not go above ceilings, behind walls or into building spaces such as attic. Do not pull cable or wiring through above-ceiling spaces with asbestos. Do not install screws, pins, nails or hangers into asbestos ceiling or wall plaster. Be careful not to damage walls, ceilings or floors when moving furniture or equipment. Do not brush, sweep or vacuum textured asbestos ceiling plaster or plaster debris.

What to do if I encounter potentially hazardous ACM?

Stop work immediately and leave the area. Do not attempt to clean up debris. Turn off all sources of air movement in the area. Secure the area by closing and locking the doors. Post a "Do not enter" sign on all entry doors.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in buildings pose no risk to health unless asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled.  Intact, sealed and undisturbed materials are considered not hazardous.

Who regulates Asbestos?  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Occupational Health and Safety (CAL- OSHA) sets the Standards for determining presence of asbestos:  Asbestos containing material as defined by the EPA are the materials with asbestos concentration of greater than 1% (>1%). For worker protection, Cal-OSHA defines materials with a concentration of one-tenth of asbestos or greater than (>0.1%) as asbestos containing. All asbestos removal work should be strictly performed by Certified Asbestos Abatement Contractors.

As your Local Realtor in Orange County I focus seriously on the Home Safety issues for my clients. I can help you avoid making serious mistakes that may affect the health and Safety of your loved ones