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SAFETY CONCERNS

Intro to Hazardous Materials

There are certain materials in home construction in which after their widespread utilization, were found to be hazardous to people. Such materials may still be present in your home so it is a good idea to know what they are.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral. Asbestos that is dry and capable of crumbling is considered dangerous, only when it releases its tiny fibers into the air. Asbestos, if inhaled, is associated with the disease asbestosis, and certain types of cancer.

Asbestos has been used widely in the past because it has properties that make it commercially valuable. Asbestos does not burn or easily conduct heat and electricity. Manufacturers continue to use it as roof shingles, roof cements, asbestos cement sheets, house siding, and as asbestos cement water pipes. Such products have virtually no exposure risk. Asbestos has been banned since 1973 for use in areas where fibers could be inhaled, such as popcorn ceilings. Asbestos may be found in some old attic insulation, flu pipes used to vent water heaters and furnaces, as a spray on insulation coating for water pipes, and in old style floor tiles.

A licensed contractor must remove asbestos. Laws, nationwide, require the proper handling of asbestos materials before, during, and after removal. Air containment areas must be installed to insure that contamination does not occur during the removal of asbestos material.

Lead Based Paints

In some older paints, lead was used as a base material, which gave the paint the ability to cover and last longer than the existing paints of the time. Such paints may still be found in older homes. If you question whether there is lead paint present, have paint samples tested. Lead paint can cause lead poisoning, which often afflicts young children who eat paint chips or inhale dust from dried lead paint. In the late 1970's, researchers found that even small amounts of lead absorbed by the body over a long period can harm a child. Although such absorption does not cause physical illness, it can damage a child's brain and result in learning difficulties. The removal of lead paint can be problematic due to considerable time and cost to have only qualified licensed contractors remove the paint.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that is found in carpets, carpet padding, and foam insulation. Though toxic, formaldehyde unfortunately is still legal to use in many areas of the United States. Formaldehyde has a stifling odor and can irritate membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat. In addition, laboratory tests have shown that formaldehyde may cause cancer. You should be concerned for your health living around such toxic materials and have such products removed from your home and disposed of properly.

Hazardous Air

Hazardous Air Intro

There are many airborne particles that are harmful to humans and animals. It is alarming, the everyday poisons we are exposed to and should be concerned about reducing.