Asbestos in the home

Arizona Homeowners Taking Caution with Asbestos and Moving GREEN



In the Arizona real estate industry, many additional responsibilties may arise when buying a new home. Regarded as an American tradition, the path to homeownership is an exciting time with many rewards. However, there are many things that should be taken into consideration. Gaining popularity more than a century ago, asbestos was used in many industrial and building applications throughout the 20th century due to its fire resistant qualities. Potential Arizona homebuyers or those remodeling older homes should be aware that many homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos.



This shouldn’t make you frightened because asbestos exposure is easily prevented by taking simple precautions. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry stated that a large industry in Arizona is still present because of mines operated by Asbestos Mines, a division of Arizona Asbestos Inc. Now seeking to redefine the way asbestos is handled, the Asbestos Institute is stationed in Phoenix and is one of the largest training facilities for asbestos abatement in the world. There are now many green and healthy alternatives that make the use of asbestos obsolete.



If any asbestos is located in your home, the best advice is to leave it alone. Disturbing asbestos may cause it to become damaged, and release its fibers into the air. The frequent inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause a rare, but severe lung ailment known as peritoneal mesothelioma. With an extremely high amount of asbestos incidents through the last century, many mesothelioma lawyer firms began fighting for victims rights. Asbestos manufacturers were clearly aware of the health damaging qualities involved with their product, but chose to cover it up, leaving millions of workers, military personnel and civilians exposed to the material.



If a home inspector deems the asbestos harmful, removal must be undertaken by a licensed abatement contractor. These contractors are trained in the handling and disposal of asbestos in public facilities and homes. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is committed to protecting the public from asbestos-containing materials by educating and assisting with asbestos removal, transport and disposal.

Once the removal process is completed, green insulation alternatives should be given serious consideration. A water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene features no toxic components. Statistics show that the lcynene foam, for example, can cut energy costs by about 25 percent annually, according to studies done by manufacturers.

Although needed to be removed by professionals, it is worth price for a healthier, positive lifestyle. With the help of ADEQ and other organizations, removal in work places and public facilities is on the rise. These asbestos alternatives allow for a clean, healthy home, free of health damaging materials.