Asbestos Information & Tips for Maryland Homeowners

Located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Maryland is renowned for being at the center of life sciences, with over 350 biotechnological industries and dozens of universities centered in the state.

Regarded as one of the great traditions, the journey to purchasing a home is one of ups, downs and happiness. But it is one that will bring many additional responsibilities.

Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20^th century. Due to its flame resistant and highly durable qualities, asbestos was the ideal form of insulation for many industries. One of the main things that can go unnoticed is taking simple precautions to avoid asbestos exposure.

Potential Maryland homeowners or those seeking to remodel older homes should be aware that homes built prior to 1980 may still harvest asbestos materials. This should not make you jump out of your chair because asbestos exposure is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.

If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.

Long term exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. With a latency period that can last 20 to 50 years, this makes mesothelioma prognosis from physicians a difficult task. There are a number of factors that can impact mesothelioma survival rate. These factors include latency period, age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking.

Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes should be performed by licensed abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure. The materials should be removed in as large pieces as possible and places in disposable bags.

If asbestos is removed, green forms of insulation should be used as replacements. These include the use implementation of recycled building materials such as lcynene foam, cotton fiber and cellulose. These alternatives not only allow for a healthy and safe home, but can bring down annual energy costs.

For example, the use of cotton fiber foam has demonstrated to reduce energy costs by 25 % per year. There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.

Content provided by.
Ben Grayson
National Awareness Coordinator
Mesothelioma Center
(407)965-5755

Bob is a licensed Real Estate agent in Maryland and Pennsylvania. You can contact him via email at bob@gotbob4homes.com or call him on his cell phone at 240-285-4918.  He has been the Assistant Manager at the Mt Airy office for the past two years. Not only does he list and sell residential real estate, but can help you with your commercial real estate needs as well. He has been a resident of Frederick County for the past nine years.