I was recently contacted by Jesse Herman, the Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center .

Lately Jesse has been reaching out to real estate bloggers in efforts to getting some of our information published. As she reached out to me, I told her I would be glad to help her get the word out to the danger of asbestos in remodeling.

Homes built before 1980 likely have asbestos insulation in them. When homeowners remodel, they may expose themselves to asbestos, which could lead to the deadly cancer called mesothelioma.

There are many environmentally safe and healthy ways to insulate your home.

In Ann Arbor some of our most desireable area's are in downtown area of Ann Arbor, Burns Park and The Old West Side. The homes built during this time period are built between 1860-1940.

Used as a form of insulation for pipes and attics throughout the twentieth century, asbestos is a mineral found in the environment. Although a naturally occurring substance, this mineral can be extremely toxic. The inhalation of its toxic fibers can produce serious illnesses, such as; mesothelioma, asbestosis and other forms of lung cancer.

Asbestos used in millions of homes throughout the last quarter of the 20th century, asbestos insulation can become a real dilemma for homeowners due to causing a variety of health problems, including Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesothelioma. These types of cancer take the lives of thousands each year.

Non-regulated asbestos material can be legally performed by homeowners, regular contractors, or licensed asbestos abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated.

Asbestos removal in public facilities, homes and workplaces must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

Once the removal is complete, green insulation options should be given serious consideration, such as: Cellulose, Cotton Fiber and Lcynene.

Not only does, asbestos affect home remodelers but other occupations are at risk too, the list can be found here.

To find out exactly how much asbestos exposure is prevelant in your state you can read it here.

***Disclaimer: Photos in the post are only examples of homes around Ann Arbor and do not reflect they have asbestos. Only used as an example of older homes where there is the potential to find asbestos. ***