Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in homes for decades. Being lightweight, relatively inexpensive, abundant, and most importantly, fire resistant, asbestos has been used in many different ways around the home. From pipe or boiler insulation, to floor tiles, roofing, siding, glue, and many others. It was banned in insulation in the 1950’s, and paint and patching compounds in the 1970’s. So, if your home was built before the end of the 1970’s there is a possibility that there is some form of asbestos component.
Is asbestos hazardous? Yes, IF it is friable. Friable means that the asbestos fibers are not encapsulated in any way. Meaning, that the fibers can become airborne and get lodged in your lungs. No amount of asbestos contamination is healthy. If the asbestos is not friable, it is not necessarily hazardous.
Do NOT try and remove asbestos by yourself.
Always hire licensed, experienced, competent removal technicians.
Mold is found throughout the world, in every environment, in every part of the planet. It is ubiquitous in our world. So, is it dangerous? Yes. And no. The groundbreaking antibiotic Penicillin is derived from mold. Unrestrained mold growth, however, CAN be hazardous to your health. Indoors, it is always found when moisture is present.
Despite what you have heard, the color of mold tells us nothing of the hazard. There are over 100,000 known species of mold on the planet, and an estimated 100,000 more unknown to science. There are also only 3 distinct colors that the human eye can perceive, with many shades and combinations. Numerous species of mold are black, and white, and red, and orange, etc. Only a lab test can tell us the species of mold and how hazardous it is.
How is a mold test conducted? This is key. A mold test is done in steps. Several air samples are taken in various locations around an indoor space. Another sample is taken outside. These samples are compared. The amount of mold spores found indoors, compared to the amount of mold spores found outside, tell us the relative amount of mold present in the indoor environment.
Mold removal is not a DIY process. Proper removal practices need to be followed. Once mold is removed, the source of excess moisture must be remedied, or the mold will return.
Always hire licensed, experienced, competent removal technicians.
Lead has been used in paints for centuries, both indoors and out. It has been stated that no building in the world is too old to have lead paint. However, homes can be too young for lead paint. Added to paint, it helped maintain the color longer.
In the 1920s most European countries banned lead in paint. However, it was not banned by the United States until 1978. Various companies voluntarily reduced the percentage of lead in their paint in the 1960s. It is notable that the 1978 law banned paint greater than 0.5% lead, by weight. Not an outright ban.
Lead, that is not peeling, or coming off the wall, is not necessarily hazardous. When it does start peeling, or becomes airborne, then it is directly hazardous to your health. Lead tastes sweet, which is why young children tend to pick up the flakes and put them in their mouths. Lead dust, created when taking down a wall or other structure coated in lead paint, can get into your bloodstream via inhalation.
Lead paint chips and dust tend to be found in doorways and window sills. These areas should always be cleaned.
Lead is a known health hazard, causing developmental delays in children including: developmental delays and inability to pay attention. In adults, lead poisoning symptoms include: high blood pressure, joint pain, concentration problems, reduced sperm count, and miscarriage.
Always hire licensed, experienced, competent removal technicians.
Lead pipes date back millennia. The word ‘plumbing’ actually comes from the Latin word ‘plumbum’ meaning lead. Lead was used because it is easily shaped by hand, as well as extremely durable. Many lead pipes from ancient Rome still are in use today.
When water flows through the pipes small amounts are corroded away from the interior of the pipe, and are suspended in the water. This is the source of lead poisoning from pipes. Most buildings built before the 1930s contain lead pipes. It should be noted that lead drain pipes, pipes which remove waste water, and …. wastes, cannot contaminate us. We are only concerned with water supply piping.
Most municipalities which provide water to their communities inject chemicals into the water supply which are inert to the human body, but which coat the inside of the water supply pipes. This coating prevents lead from being released from the pipe, and contaminates us. The switching out of these chemicals is the source of the Flint lead contamination.
The only way to ensure there is no lead in your water is to remove all lead piping, back to your water main. This involves digging up the street and sidewalk, as well as making numerous holes in the walls and ceilings of your home.
Always hire licensed, experienced, competent plumbers.
The EPA regulates the removal of most home hazards, as do many state, and municipal governments. Whoever owns the home, where a hazardous material is removed, is legally liable for its care, even after it reaches its final disposal point. So choose your contractor carefully.
Aside from the harm that could be done to those who unknowingly remove hazardous materials, without proper personal protective equipment. Aside from the health hazard to those around the removal space, should proper isolation techniques not be implemented. Aside from the potential health hazard to the sanitation workers who are potentially exposed, when hazardous materials are not properly contained and disposed of. Aside from the moral and ethical responsibility to properly protect everyone from undue harm. Should someone be exposed, the legal liability is severe.
Always hire licensed, experienced, competent removal technicians.
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