Purchasing a home is a journey that is regarded as an old American Tradition. It will bring about many happy moments for you and your family. It is an investment of a lifetime but one that brings additional responsibilities.

Many older homes may require structural repairs or renovations, especially for those who live near areas where natural disasters may occur. If your home was constructed before 1980, there is a chance it may still feature obsolete construction applications such as asbestos.

What is asbestos?

A fibrous mineral utilized for a greater part of the 20th century, it is still regarded as one of the more toxic building materials. If you are purchasing, remodeling or foreclosing an older home, you should be aware that many green eco-friendly options exist that replace the need for asbestos. By taking simple precautions, you can ensure that asbestos exposure will not occur in your home. The implementation of eco-construction, green energy solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.

What to do if your home has asbestos

If any asbestos or hazardous materials are located, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Disturbing it can potentially damage and release its fibers airborne. Asbestos was used as prominent form of insulation for piping, flooring and roofing. It can appear in dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, electrical wires and roof shingles. A Professional home inspector can identify the materials and provide an expert consultation for you. If the materials are deemed dangerous, removal may be necessary.

Dangers of asbestos

Consistent exposure to asbestos can potentially lead to the development of asbestos lung cancers such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma will often progress to the later stages of development, resulting in poor mesothelioma prognosis for the majority of patients. 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.

Licensed abatement contractors who remove asbestos, will be familiar with the regulations in protecting you and themselves from exposure to asbestos. 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.

Options for removing asbestos
Recycled building materials that are viable options to asbestos include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene foam. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof.
Implementing green methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include:

• Conservation of natural resources
• Enhance air quality and protect ecosystems
• Energy sustainability
• Increase property value
• Improve quality of life
• Improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health
• Reduce waste

The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.

Buying a home is an exciting experience that comes with a lot of responsibility. First and foremost is the responsibility to make sure that your home is safe for you and your family. Take the time to learn about asbestos hazards and to inspect your future home for asbestos, especially if it was built before 1980.