Gettin' to Know All About Asbestos 101

Just got some very educational content from Joe Lederman, from the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.  What does that have to do with real estate, you ask? Can you say, asbestos?  If, like many residents of the Bay Area, your house was built before the mid-1970's, then the presence of asbestos is something to get yourself educated on. So here we go..

 

Throughout the 20^th century, asbestos was regarded as an ideal form of insulation and piping in many building applications in the world. With its qualities as flame and heat resistant, it was not only versatile, but extremely durable. Although there is evidence showing that companies and manufacturers knew of asbestos’ health hazards, it wasn’t until 1990 when the California Air Resources Board began to regulate the amount used in surfacing applications.

It is very important for California real estate residents to take the proper measures to inspect and remove the substance. With the consistent growth in technology and public awareness, there are currently a number of products which replace the need for asbestos. You should be aware that exposure to asbestos can cause a significant number of health concerns.

With its thriving industrial and entertainment history, much of California’s economy has also had success in ship-building, power generation and mining. These industries found many needs for asbestos. Homes and buildings built before 1980 still maintain the possibility of containing asbestos.

Frequent exposure can result in the development of asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. This form of asbestos lung cancer has a latency period that can last from 20 to 50 years, making it one of the more difficult diseases for physicians to accurately diagnose. Mesothelioma treatment has varied results on patients. However, patients usually receive poor prognosis from doctors because the illness can reach its later stage when it is finally diagnosed.

With many citizens now living an environmentally conscious state, individuals in California should hire licensed abatement contractors who will perform in house inspections to search for any hazardous building material that may be present. The removal of asbestos is an extremely finite process which needs to be performed wearing protective gear and masks. Alternatives to asbestos include cotton fiber, which can reduce energy consumption up to 35 percent, and cellulose.

Reporting many problems and sources of asbestos-laden materials, The California Environmental Protection Agency has set standards and regulations in regards to asbestos use and abatement. Despite knowledge of the state’s asbestos problems, many communities throughout California still find themselves constructed atop asbestos deposits.

Adapting green alternative materials such as cotton fiber can reduce energy consumption up to 35 percent annually. Other options include the use of cellulose and lcynene foam. In this day and age, there is absolutely no need to put anyone’s health at risk for asbestos exposure. These new healthy options allow homeowners to live healthy and clear of health polluting substances.