The Bain of Modern Miracles: “I’ve got one word for you, Benjamin: Plastics”. This of course is from the movie the Graduate. How many products, medicines, and miracles of man have turned out later to be ticking time bombs waiting for their downside to kick in? One I see in homes all the time is asbestos. Asbestos was first used in homes beginning in 1870 by mixing it with cement and using it as an insulating cover for boilers. Talk about a ticking time bomb, the first ban of asbestos did not take place until the 1970’s, over 100 years later. As early at the 1930’s medical journals began to publish articles linking asbestos to cancer. Those directly impacted were the installers or manufacturing employees, indirectly it is those of us living in homes where asbestos has been added to a product. Most original boilers and hot air furnaces had insulating blankets of asbestos. (see the two furnace photos). I still see a few that have not been replaced. There are many homes where the original furnace is gone yet the pipes of boilers and the duct work of forced air furnaces still have asbestos on them. Other common uses of asbestos: Ceiling tiles, asphalt floor tiles, roof shingles, siding and vermiculite insulation. Asbestos was banned entirely in 1977, with the height of use from 1930 – 1950. Oh Great, what do you do if you own an older home and you suspect asbestos? It is important to understand that undisturbed asbestos poses no health risk. It is when you try to remove asbestos that it becomes airborne and creates risk to exposure. What happens if a remodel job entails removing asbestos? Can an owner remove asbestos, or does it require an asbestos contractor? The answer is an owner can remove it, but you must check with your county or city as they may require a permit. The other option is hiring an asbestos contractor. There are three critical issues when removing asbestos; 1) removing it in a dust free environment. 2) Double bagging the debris and marking it as asbestos. 3) Delivering it to a designated asbestos landfill site. Here is a link of sites in Minnesota. You, as the homeowner, are responsible to ensure all asbestos debris be disposed of at an asbestos landfill, even if you hire a contractor. Should you avoid buying a home that has asbestos? I would still buy the home. Homes that have asbestos were built in the time period when all the features we love about “old world charm” was also part of the package. Should you remove asbestos if you are considering a sale? I would leave it; most buyers are aware of asbestos and understand that if left alone it poses no risk. Related Articles:
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