Asbestos and cancer
Today, we have a guest post from Jesse Herman, the Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. Jesse has been reaching out to real estate bloggers in an effort to get some of their information published.
For those of you who are considering remodeling an older home, there is likely to be asbestos, exposure to which could lead to the deadly cancer called mesothelioma. Jesse shares some environmentally safe and healthy ways to insulate your home. And if you ever worked in the old Charleston Navy Shipyard, make sure to scroll down for additional information about asbestos and Naval Shipyards.
Asbestos Removal and Greener Alternatives
There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. Homes built before 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. Once 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. 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.
You can find out more at Mesothelioma Cancer Center. Thanks, Jesse.
While browsing the site, I noticed that Navy Shipyards were filled with asbestos. And while the Charleston Navy Shipyard closed in the mid 1990's, many military personnel and civilian workers were probably exposed to asbestos. Find out more about the history of and future plans for the Charleston Navy Shipyard.