Asbestos is a fibrous mineral usually found as a form of insulation, piping, roofing and flooring and used for a large part of the 20th century. It was discovered long after heavy use in a variety of construction applications that asbestos exposure can result in debilitating chronic illnesses and cancers. This information was hidden from the public for decades! Many older homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos. Even homes built in the 1990’s still have a small chance of harboring asbestos due to vermiculite insulation that came from a mine that contained a large amount of asbestos. The same steps should be taken to avoid unnecessary problems due to this material. By taking simple precautions, you can ensure that asbestos exposure will not occur in your home. Hiring a professional home inspector can be beneficial to property owners looking to keep their homes and families safe. Asbestos Information and Home Inspections Homes may require structural inspections or renovations and a professional home inspector can identify the materials and provide an expert consultation for you. A home inspection is extremely important in a variety of scenarios. In order to protect your investment, professional consultants can provide an evaluation of the home. Consultants will identify material defects structures and components of the home, in adherence to or exceeding national, state, and industry regulations and standards. Technological advances have made the home inspection industry into a valuable process that rapidly study areas of concern in your property. Having your residence inspected for asbestos is an effective way to discover if there is any risk of asbestos exposure within your home and could very well be one of the most important steps to prevent this from occurring. According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it's posing no apparent risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem. Normally, asbestos can appear in roof shingles, attic insulation, pipe coverings, joint compounds, electrical wires, furnace cement, fire brick and gaskets. It is recommended for homeowners to leave any suspected asbestos alone, as this can takes its fibers airborne. Hidden from the public for decades, exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of many health ailments such as mesothelioma. With limited treatments available, this form of asbestos lung cancer usually receives poor prognosis from physicians. This makes a mesothelioma life span not as positive as one would hope. With the right amount of awareness and a home inspection, it is completely avoidable and preventable to keep yourself away from asbestos! Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic substances. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure. The area is usually isolated from the rest of the house by shutting down ventilation systems and sealing them. Tips & Green Alternatives The California Indoor Air Quality Program has an asbestos program that can assists homeowners with pertinent information in regards to the usefulness of a home inspection and the safe removal of asbestos. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green homes and buildings. There are many green, Eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually such as: cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof. If you are a home owner and suspect that asbestos is present, make sure to call a home inspector immediately to determine the proper course of action. With the right amount of awareness and a home inspection, it is completely avoidable and preventable to keep yourself away from asbestos!