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Asbestos - It Is Still Out There And a Concern When Buying Real estate

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 10491201242

EXAMPLE OF ASBESTOS SIDING.

You might be wondering why I would be interested in asbestos.  Well one of my first listing turned out to be an enviromental nightmare, and one of the culprits was asbestos.

Most people became aware of asbestos because of the many class action suit for Mesothelioma a disease caused by asbestos. 

Due to the health hazards the use of asbestos has been somewhat restricted, however there are many products around us containing asbestos. Here are some examples:

  • Flooring
  • team pipes,
  • Sound proofing
  • Fire resistant
  • Hairdryers
  • Brake Pads
  • Textured Paint
  • Siding.

What you need to keep in mind is that there are really two types of asbestos the friable and the non friable.  A non friable type would be the type used for siding.  This is a relatively safe product unless you decide to cut into it.  The friable would be the type used to wrap pipes and you will find this around old boilers.  This type is the one you should be very concern about, it will break up and release small particles in the air, and this  will get into the lungs.  Long exposure could lead to asbestos related lung cancer.

Once it has been determined that you have the friable type you should have an abatement contractor do an evaluation, these professionals are trained and need to meet EPA standards.  If removal is recommended it will be rather expensive.

So we all use products with asbestos or is exposed to it in our everyday activities, the main thing is; is it Friable or non friable?

 

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com 

www.jfivehomes.com  or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Comments(5)

Jay McGillicuddy
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Exeter, NH
Real Estate Broker

Hi Jennifer, I have a listing that has nonfriable siding the good thing is it is in good condition. The bad thing is the house hasn't sold yet. First I have heard the term Friable and Nonfriable.

Thanks Jay 

Dec 22, 2006 01:06 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Jay, one house I listed belonged to an expert in the field and she brought me up to speed with asbestos.

Dec 22, 2006 01:38 PM
Jay McGillicuddy
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Exeter, NH
Real Estate Broker

Jennifer, giving away trade secrets I see.

Thanks Jay 

Dec 22, 2006 02:02 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection
Thanks Jay, a rookie appreciated any help she could get.
Dec 22, 2006 02:24 PM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Hi Jennifer,

I liked your post so much on Radon that I read more of your blogs and the one on Asbestos is one I hold dear to my heart.  My father passed away some 8 years ago of that very condition called Mesothelioma and my husband had considered purchasing a home a short time after that but I couldn't get past the asbestos wrrapped pipes in the basement.  I think that knowledge is power and then once the buyer is armed with the information, the decision rests in their hands.  I'm glrateful we didn't go through with that purchase and now I am more educated and feel that I can offer better service to our customers.  Thank you for the post and by the way I share your fear of the water.  That's so funny what you said about only going in if you can see your feet.  I had always felt that way but never verbalized it as well as you did!

 

Lisa

Dec 26, 2006 03:42 AM