Asbestos is the term given to six naturally occurring minerals that have been used in thousands of applications around the world. Found countries belonging to almost every continent, asbestos rose to prominence more than a hundred years ago as the ideal method of insulation in homes, buildings and other industrial purposes.

 

Due to its qualities as fire resistant, highly durable and relatively inexpensive, it became the ideal choice for manufacturers. Its fibers can also mix into materials such as cement or asphalt. Repressed from the public for almost a century, its corrosive and health damaging fibers can lead to the development of serious illnesses.

 

Homes and buildings built before 1980 have the highest chance of containing asbestos, but even those built in the 1990’s due as well. This is because of the vermiculite insulation that came from a mine that at one point heavily produced the mineral.  If you believe that your home contains asbestos or other toxic materials, home inspections can be an important part of achieving a safe and healthy home.

 

Important Tips in the Home

 

If asbestos materials are present, most contractors will advise home owners to leave it alone. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Asbestos that is left undisturbed and is not in a deteriorated state will not pose any health risks because its fibers have not been release into the air. Asbestos can appear in roof shingles, attic insulation, pipe coverings, joint compounds, electrical wires, furnace cement, fire brick and gaskets.

Asbestos fibers are very strong and thin, and when inhaled by an individual it can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma. This form of asbestos lung cancer is very aggressive and is only caused by exposure to asbestos. An individual who suffers from this disease has limited treatment options and this makes a mesothelioma life span not as positive as one would hope.

 

It is not always an easy process to determine whether or not a particular insulation contains asbestos. Anyone who is unsure about the insulation in their home should have the materials in question inspected and tested. Again, exposure is very preventable by taking the right precautions!

 

Home Inspections, Asbestos Removal & Green Alternatives

 

Receiving a professional home inspection is something that cannot be understated. Many building substances can become a problem for homeowners due to the negative health effects that can occur if not identified. Advances in technology have made inspections into a valuable process that quickly studies areas of concern in your property.

 

The removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic substances. Depending on the condition of the asbestos, many experts feel it is better to seal it off than remove it. These licensed contractors who remove asbestos, will be familiar with the regulations in protecting you and themselves from exposure to asbestos.

 

Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be fireproof. A water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene features no toxic components. These healthy options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components.