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Oklahoma Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Options for Homeowners
April 8, 2009 by Jim Bigelow · Leave a Comment
Oklahoma Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Options for Homeowners
The path to owning a home is a rewarding accomplishment that will require many new responsibilities. Homes that are newly purchased may require additional remodeling or repairs. With the state of Oklahoma relying on oil production or many years, asbestos use was prevalent for decades.
Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20th century. Potential Oklahoma home buyers or those remodeling homes constructed before 1980 should be aware that the potential for asbestos-containing materials is still present.
This does not mean home owners or those involved in real estate should be frightened because asbestos exposure is easily prevented by taking simple precautions. There are now many green insulation alternatives that make the use of asbestos no longer necessary.
If asbestos is located or suspected in your home, most professionals will advise to leave it un-disturbed. When asbestos becomes damaged, its fibers may be released into the air. Long term exposure can lead to the development of rare, but severe ailments such as asbestosis and peritoneal mesothelioma. The negligence involved with asbestos incidents has become one of the more formidable cover-ups in the 20th century. Manufacturers of asbestos became aware of the toxic qualities involving the substance long before they turned this knowledge over to the public. This has lead to mesothelioma attorney firms protecting and advocating the rights of victims.
The Oklahoma Department of Labor assists citizens and homeowners in the inspection, protection and abatement of asbestos. It is their goal to provide consultation, guidance and regulation of asbestos materials to minimize the adverse affects it may have on homeowners. Prior to moving in to your new home or apartment, you must make sure there are no asbestos related materials or fibers present. It is important to meet with health or environmental professionals to properly examine your new property. If removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous substances.
Many states in the United States are adapting to green, sustainable construction practices that suit the health of human beings and push for environmental sustainability. There are now many regulations being installed that will make the use of older, corrosive methods of construction obsolete. Eco-sustainable materials such as cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose are viable alternatives to asbestos and feature the same flame resistance and durable qualities of asbestos.
The implementation of sustainable methods can also reduce annual energy costs. Statistics show that the lcynene foam, for example, can cut energy costs by about 25 percent annually, according to studies done by manufacturers. The United States Green Building Council also reported a savings of $50 to $65 for green constructed buildings. These asbestos alternatives allow for a healthy, safe home, free of health damaging materials.
Jim Bigelow 918-640-4657
www.jimbigelow.com jim@jimbigelow.com
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