Green Building Alternatives Push Asbestos Out of the Home - Green Building Solutions

A catalyst for homes, industries, schools, universities and business, the incredible diversity of enterprises is driven by a common bound to move to a green lifestyle and green building solutions. Inhabiting a world where environmental awareness is a vital concern to the future of our planet, it is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation.


The implementation of eco-construction and green environmental solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.

Asbestos
Throughout the greater part of the 20th century, asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of applications. Due to its flame resistant, highly durable and inexpensive qualities, it became the ideal choice for manufacturers as a form of insulation, piping, brake lining and flooring.
Many homes and buildings built prior to 1980 may still harbor asbestos, but even homes built in the 1990’s may contain asbestos in vermiculite insulation. Although Vermiculite alone does not contain asbestos, it came from one single mine that contained a large amount of asbestos. There are many green, eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually.

Healthy Tips

According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it's posing no apparent risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem. This is a serious concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. If any suspected asbestos is located, the best advice is to leave it alone. Asbestos that is left un-disturbed will normally pose no threat

Exposure to asbestos has been proven to be the only known cause of a rare but aggressive form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Due to a long latency period of 20 to 50 years for the disease to develop, a mesothelioma life span is not as positive as one would hope. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the United States, accounting for three percent of all cancer diagnoses.

If asbestos needs to be removed, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractors. These contractors are trained in the handling and disposal of asbestos in public facilities and homes. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Quality is committed to protecting the public from asbestos-containing materials by educating and assisting with asbestos removal, transport and disposal.

GREEN Homes Push Asbestos Out of Homes - Green Building Training Program
“Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings. The Department of Energy concluded that cooling and heating counts for up to 50-70 percent of all energy used in the average home in the U.S. In today’s state, this philosophy can also save natural resources.
Eco-friendly methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: Conservation of natural resources, enhance air quality, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health, Reduction of waste.
The implementation of green alternatives such as cotton fiber, lcynene foam, cellulose and thermal ceramic insulator can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. The ceramic foam is made of aluminum oxide, a high temperature ceramic noted for great insulating powers from its tiny air bubbles. Cotton fiber is also becoming a favorite insulation method.
Made from recycled batted material, it is then treated to be fireproof. Water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene, is a healthy insulation which contains no toxic components. These asbestos alternatives allow for a healthy, safe home, free of health damaging materials.

Quality Links
Green Building Design, Sustainability and LEED Training
Energy Audits
Working With Asbestos
PleuralMesothelioma.com- Free packet with treatment information