Asbestos Exposure Prevention & Healthy Alternatives for Massachusetts Homeowners
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. Potential Massachusetts homebuyers or those remodeling older homes should be aware that homes constructed prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos. This should not make you overly concerned because asbestos exposure can be avoidable by taking simple precautions. Many healthy green alternatives exist which make the use of asbestos an obsolete building material.
If any asbestos is located in the home, most experts suggest to just leave it alone as disturbing it may cause its fibers to be released into the air. Asbestos that is in good condition will not pose risks. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Asbestos exposure has affected many trades including: shipyards, construction, pipe fitters, power plants, demolition workers and in Navy vessels.
Long term exposure to damaged asbestos can cause rare but severe forms of asbestos lung cancer known as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, Diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.
Many manufacturers were aware of its health damaging components but continued shipping the product anyways, leaving millions of employees and individuals exposed to the substance. Asbestos industries have been heavily scrutinized for concealing information and not informing the public on the dangers associated with asbestos. The amount of incidents involving the asbestos cover-up has resulted in mesothelioma lawyer firms advocating victim rights.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will help and assist citizens in the disposal and removal of asbestos. They have installed programs that aim to help citizens maintain and improve health at home and the work place.
If asbestos is deemed harmful by an inspector, it will need to be removed. According to state and federal laws, the removal must be performed by abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic materials. The failure to remove asbestos materials prior to remodeling, renovation or demolition activities may result in penalties from exposure, decontamination and higher costs.
Currently, tax breaks are being offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. This new package extends tax incentives from 2005 and establishes new ones for those who remodel their homes using eco-friendly materials. “Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These eco-friendly methods of insulation have been shown to reduce annual energy costs up to 25 percent!
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