ASBESTOS
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WHERE IS IT?
Asbestos, once considered a miracle product given its extreme resistance
to high temperatures and decay, gradually found its way into thousands
of products. Luckily, only a few of these products are regularly found
in homes in a form that could easily make harmful dust.
The most common asbestos problem area in local homes is insulation on
pre-1960's steam or hot water heating pipes. We also occasionally find
asbestos insulation on pre-1960 heating ducts or water supply pipes.
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WHAT IS WRONG WITH ASBESTOS?
It is breathing asbestos that is dangerous. History has clearly shown
that repeated high exposure to asbestos dust significantly increases the
risk of getting lung cancer. Studies have shown, however, that health
risks from household asbestos exposures are far less. In fact, economic
studies have shown that much of the money spent on asbestos abatement in
the 1980's would have had more positive health and safety impact if
spent elsewhere.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO?
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- Hire a Home Inspector who will point out the common forms of what
appears to be asbestos if he sees them. Home Inspectors, however, do
not guarantee an asbestos-free home.
- At your discretion, hire a toxic-material specialist to do a more
thorough inspection for asbestos. However, applying your inspection
dollars elsewhere may be more productive.
- If asbestos is found in reasonable condition and not likely to be
disturbed, the EPA now believes it should be left in place. If it is
in poor condition however, and in an area of high use, then
abatement by either encapsulation or complete removal should
probably be done. Any abatement work should be performed by people
following EPA protocol. More information on asbestos is available
from the EPA, asbestos abatement contractors and your state
Department of Health.
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