Renovating an older home… an Asbestos warning!
November 13, 2008 by Monika McGillicuddy
Filed under Blog, General R.E. Information, Home Seller tips
Older Homes can pose some health issues
I know many people that live in older homes who over the years have done more than a few remodeling jobs..all without giving much thought to the potential health issues invloved! everyone should read this before undertaking some of those jobs. This is especially important if you considering buying an older bank owned home.
This was sent to me by Jesse Herman from the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. You can contact Jesse via e-mail at jesse@asbestos.com if you have questions or concerns.
Asbestos Removal and Greener Alternatives
There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. Homes built after 1980 have the strong likelihood of containing asbestos. Due to a steady progression of technology and green sustainable methods, there are many ways to ensure your home or property is asbestos free. If you are interested in saving money, remodeling and improving your carbon footprint, here is some information to get you on the right track.
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. One the removal is complete, green insulation options should be given serious consideration, such as: Cellulose, Cotton Fiber and Lcynene.
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC), in a study conducted in 2003, estimated a savings of $50-$65 per square foot for well-constructed green buildings in the U.S. (see table below) during that year. The numbers continue to improve as more eco-friendly options become available, and those kinds of figures have finally begun to attract those who thought eco-friendly construction was just a bunch of hogwash.
This is an area that many people don’t think about, but we should. A long time ago many of the health risks weren’t know so we all took risks, or lived in environaments that weren’t healthy. But now we know better, and like you pass the information to ones that might not know. Thanks for the good work.
Thanks Kathy. It’s scary to think of all the times people do these types of renovations without thinking of the health risks.
Not everything may be as it seems with these asbestos people.
For example, Google for “James O’Shea Asbestos” or “Samantha Catalano Asbestos” or “Jesse Herman Asbestos”.
They’ve all published articles on other folk’s blogs far and wide talking about the dangers of Asbestos. Note also that virtually all of their published pieces contain links that lead back to http://www.maacenter.org.
That site looks like a public minded place that disseminates information about asbestos dangers for the good of the public. Until you note in the fine-print at the bottom of the site that it is sponsored by a law firm that specializes in Asbestos lawsuits.
Read the following and make up your own mind:
http://samadhisoft.com/2008/09/18/mesothelioma-asbestos-awareness-center/
Dennis,
Thanks for your comment. I will read your link. I had not notice that it was sponsored by a law firm specializing in Asbestos lawsuits.
Hi,
Not sure that this is true) but thanks
Have a nice day
GlenStef