Be Careful Around Asbestos In Older Homes

Most REALTORS and for that matter consumers are aware of older homes and doing inspections or making seller disclosures about the use of lead based paint. But maybe lesser known is the use of asbestos, formerly used for insulation purposes and the danger of this material with its cancer risk. Although this reprinted article focuses on Texas it can be looked at nationwide as well, and hopefully raise the awareness for us all on this topic.

Article reprinted with permission of its author Joe Lederman.

Texas Asbestos Home Prevention & Healthy Alternatives

Although Texas has many stretches of rural areas, it also has a number of large cities where asbestos problems have been concentrated. Asbestos was used in many building applications throughout the 20^th century. Many industries craved its use because of its flame resistant, durable and versatile qualities.

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.

Homeownership is a wonderful accomplishment that also brings additional responsibilities. Potential Texas 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. However, it must be noted that not all asbestos can pose health concerns. With the proper precautions taken, asbestos exposure can be prevented.  

The known effects of asbestos exposure have been documented since the early 1900's. It was not until the late 1970's that the fire retardant insulation was banned from being manufactured in the United States (mostly). Frequent exposure to asbestos can cause severe lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Accounting for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. alone, mesothelioma treatment is currently limited to just a handful of procedures. This disease has a latency period that can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, so people who were exposed to asbestos normally don't develop its ailment until its later stages. For the above reasons mesothelioma lawyers have popped up all over the nation but settlements can be tough because of the long period of diagnosis.

With growing awareness and public education, many efforts have been made to limit exposure and halt the use of this dangerous product. The Texas Department of Health Services helps protect and promote the physical and environmental well being of citizens in Texas from asbestos. With a new outreach program, they are currently educating the public in finding the right asbestos abatement contractors to inspect and remove the hazardous material from homes, public facilities and workplaces.

If asbestos is removed, green eco-friendly options should be considered as replacements. These options include the use of cotton fiber, cellulose and lcynene foam. These recycled building materials can decrease annual energy costs up to 25 percent. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling counts for 50 to 70 percent of energy used in the average home. These asbestos alternatives allow for a clean, healthy home, free of health damaging materials.