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Massachusetts Asbestos Prevention and Eco-friendly Alternatives
Due to the state’s 400 year old existence, there are hundreds of businesses and homes in Massachusetts that have utilized asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos became a prominent building material in construction around 160 years ago. Asbestos use became widespread throughout the 20th century as a form of insulation, piping, brake lining and flooring because of its fire resistant and versatile qualities.
Although many buildings have undergone renovations and have had asbestos deposits removed, there is still a chance many contain the toxic substance. Many schools and public facilities depended on the substance for heat, sound and fire insulation.
For Potential Massachusetts homebuyers or those remodeling older homes, it should be known that the inhalation of asbestos fibers can present many serious health concerns. This is not to make you frightened because asbestos exposure is easily preventable by taking simple precautions. There are now many eco-sustainable options that make the use of asbestos obsolete.
From 1980 and the year 2000, the state suffered 613 casualties as a result of mesothelioma, a malignant lung cancer that occurs only through asbestos exposure. Accounting for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. alone each year, the amount of asbestos incidents has lead to mesothelioma attorneys fighting and advocating victim rights. Manufacturers were aware of its health damaging components, but continued shipping the product anyways, leaving millions of employees and individuals exposed to the substance.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will help and assist citizens in the disposal and removal of asbestos. According to state and federal laws, the removal must be performed by abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic materials. If asbestos is in good condition, it will not pose any health hazards. It is highly recommended for home and business owners to not disturb any suspected asbestos, as this can make its fibers become airborne. The failure to remove asbestos materials prior to remodeling, renovation or demolition activities may result in penalties from exposure, decontamination and higher costs.
In the state, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation. Some eco-friendly alternatives to asbestos insulation include: cellulose, which is becoming a popular new green insulation material. It is chemically treated to reduce levels of mold. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and is then treated to be fireproof. These options have been shown to reduce annual energy costs in the home by 25 percent.
Although many buildings have undergone renovations and have had asbestos deposits removed, there is still a chance many contain the toxic substance. Many schools and public facilities depended on the substance for heat, sound and fire insulation.
For Potential Massachusetts homebuyers or those remodeling older homes, it should be known that the inhalation of asbestos fibers can present many serious health concerns. This is not to make you frightened because asbestos exposure is easily preventable by taking simple precautions. There are now many eco-sustainable options that make the use of asbestos obsolete.
From 1980 and the year 2000, the state suffered 613 casualties as a result of mesothelioma, a malignant lung cancer that occurs only through asbestos exposure. Accounting for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. alone each year, the amount of asbestos incidents has lead to mesothelioma attorneys fighting and advocating victim rights. Manufacturers were aware of its health damaging components, but continued shipping the product anyways, leaving millions of employees and individuals exposed to the substance.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will help and assist citizens in the disposal and removal of asbestos. According to state and federal laws, the removal must be performed by abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic materials. If asbestos is in good condition, it will not pose any health hazards. It is highly recommended for home and business owners to not disturb any suspected asbestos, as this can make its fibers become airborne. The failure to remove asbestos materials prior to remodeling, renovation or demolition activities may result in penalties from exposure, decontamination and higher costs.
In the state, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation. Some eco-friendly alternatives to asbestos insulation include: cellulose, which is becoming a popular new green insulation material. It is chemically treated to reduce levels of mold. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and is then treated to be fireproof. These options have been shown to reduce annual energy costs in the home by 25 percent.
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