Asbestos Exposure Prevention & Healthy Tips

Asbestos is the name given for a group of fibrous minerals that were mined for their qualities as fire resistant, insulation and high durability. This can pose several risks to homeowners because asbestos fibers can be ingested during the renovation process.
Asbestos was widely used in various industrial products throughout the 20th century and was regularly considered as a form of insulation and piping. Homes and buildings could still contain asbestos materials if they were built prior to 1980. However, it should be known that by leaving asbestos un-disturbed, you can avoid exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos

If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.
The inspection and removal of toxic substances must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling dangerous materials. They work under state and federal regulations to ensure no health concerns arise from improper removal.
Exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Research demonstrates that over 2,000 to 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Many variables can affect a diagnosis. These include length latency period, age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking.
Going Green and Healthy Options
A catalyst for homes, industries, schools, universities and business, the incredible diversity of enterprises is driven by a common bound to move to a green lifestyle. The implementation of eco-construction, green energy solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.
Implementing eco-friendly methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: Conservation of natural resources, enhance air quality and protect ecosystems, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health, reduction of waste.
Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof.

Research has demonstrated that the use of eco-friendly insulation alternatives can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods.