Asbestos Tips and Prevention for Cincinnati Homeowners

Located in the mid-Western part of the United States, Ohio is regarded as the “Buckeye State” for the high amount of Buckeye trees in the state. Home too many professional and college sports teams and vast rural areas; Ohio is simply a great place for potential home buyers to consider calling home. The journey to purchasing a home is an enjoyable time in one’s life. But it is one that will bring many additional responsibilities. Having the assistance of an honest real estate agent can make all of the difference during this process.

Commonly used to insulate boilers and pipes, many homes built prior to 1980 could harvest asbestos or other environmental defected insulation techniques. Due to its flame resistant and highly durable qualities, asbestos was the ideal form of insulation for many industries. One of the main things that can go unnoticed is taking simple precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. Exposure can be easily avoided by taking simple precautions.  Many green and healthy forms of insulation exist which replace the need for asbestos entirely.

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.

Long term exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. With a latency period that can last 20 to 50 years, this makes mesothelioma prognosis from physicians a difficult task.

Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes should be performed by licensed abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure. The materials should be removed in as large pieces as possible and places in disposable bags. 

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is a citizen based agency created to protect the environment and public health by instituting compliance with environmental laws. Citizens of Ohio are motivated and pushing for continued advocating of new green sustainable technologies. Everyone strives for clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.

For example, the use of cotton fiber foam has demonstrated to reduce energy costs by 25 % per year. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos; yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin.

Ohio is taking the steps to move to a paradigm of environmental awareness and you should too. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise. Living in a world where environmental sustainability is a vital concern to the future of mankind, it is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation.

I can be reached via email:  paul@asbestos.com