Florida Homeowners Seeking Green Alternatives to Asbestos
Sustainability and energy drive many aspects of life in Florida. Located on the southeastern tip of the United States, energy is a catalyst for homes, schools and many industries. While we all use energy to power us through our daily lives, many people take renewable and sustainable methods for granted. When owning a home, it is the investment of a lifetime, but one that brings about additional responsibilities. Having a real estate agent to assist in these endeavors provides much help.
Although Florida does not contain naturally occurring asbestos, the substance still made its way to a large portion of the state. The mineral became a prominent form of insulation throughout the 20th century for its flame resistant and highly durable properties. Asbestos can still appear as insulation for piping, flooring and roofing.
Potential Florida homebuyers or those remodeling older homes should be aware that homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos. This isn’t to make you overly worried because asbestos exposure is easily prevented by taking simple precautions. There are many green, eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually.
If any asbestos is suspected, the best advice is to leave it un-disturbed. Touching or breaking it off may cause it to become damaged and release its fibers into the air. Sometimes the best action is no action. The frequent inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause a rare lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Physician diagnosis has been a difficult task because symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are so similar to other, less serious conditions.
Thousands of workers, citizens and military personnel were wrongfully exposed as a result of the asbestos scandal. This has become known as one of the more formidable cover-ups that took place in the 20th century. The amount of asbestos incidents has lead to mesothelioma lawyer firms fighting for victim rights.
A professional home inspector can determine the best course of action. In most cases, the best action is no action in regards to asbestos. If asbestos removal is necessary, it should be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained and licensed to deal with hazardous materials.
Florida goes GREEN!
In the state, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation. Currently, tax breaks are being offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. This new package extends tax incentives from 2005 and establishes new ones for those who remodel their homes using eco-friendly materials.
There are now many green alternatives to asbestos insulation. Many are unaware to the fact that utilizing eco-sustainable products such as cotton fiber and lcynene foam can cut annual energy costs by 25 percent. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be flame resistant. With the implementation of these recycled materials, waste is also decreasing in landfills. “Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health.