by Dan Krell © 2012
DanKrell.com
Hazardous materials are everywhere – even in some homes. Unfortunately, hazardous materials are often found to be dangerous years after they have been widely used. One such material is asbestos. Building materials containing asbestos are still found in many homes.
The Environmental Protection Agency has a lot to say about asbestos (epa.gov): “Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products)…” Significant health problems can occur “…When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs.”
One building material that is said to contain asbestos is vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite is a mineral that was widely used for attic and wall insulation for many years. Unfortunately, the EPA states that over 70% of the vermiculite sold in the US from 1919 to 1990 originated from a mine that was found to be contaminated with asbestos. If you have vermiculite insulation, the EPA website states that you should assume it contains asbestos.
The EPA says, “The best thing to do is to leave asbestos-containing material that is in good condition alone. If unsure whether or not the material contains asbestos, you may consider hiring a professional asbestos inspector to sample and test the material for you. Before you have your house remodeled, you should find out whether asbestos-containing materials are present. If asbestos-containing material is becoming damaged (i.e., unraveling, frayed, breaking apart) you should immediately isolate the area (keep pets and children away from the area) and refrain from disturbing the material (either by touching it or walking on it). You should then immediately contact an asbestos professional for consultation. It is best to receive an assessment from one firm and any needed abatement from another firm to avoid any conflict of interest. In such a scenario as described above, asbestos-containing material does not necessarily need to be removed, but may rather be repaired by an asbestos professional via encapsulation or enclosure. Removal is often unnecessary.”
The EPA recommends: to keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos; take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material: all sampling, removal or repair is to be done by professionals trained and qualified in handling asbestos. Additionally, never dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos; never saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials; never use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring; never sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing; never track material that could contain asbestos through the house. The EPA website (epa.gov/asbestos) has a complete list of recommendations and precautions for asbestos and vermiculite insulation.
Additional information and precautions on asbestos in the home can be obtained from the EPA (epa.gov/asbestos) and (for Maryland residents) the Maryland Department of the Environment (www.mde.state.md.us). The EPA and the MDE regulate and license contractors to remove or encapsulate asbestos; the MDE maintains a list of licensed asbestos contractors.
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This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of May 21, 2012. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © 2012 Dan Krell.
