One of the many points to consider when searching for an older home is whether or not the building has asbestos contamination, something many buyers overlook. Asbestos is the name of a group of naturally occurring minerals, manifesting themselves in the form of masses of strong, flexible fibers separated into thin threads, which are then woven for industrial and construction products.
Asbestos was used heavily during the 20th century in construction as an insulation application for pipes, roofs, and floors. Because findings indicate asbestos exposure can be a health danger, asbestos awareness has increased and mitigation protocols continue improving. Data indicate many states have experienced a decline in asbestos levels.
Even though Montana is primarily a sparsely populated, rural state, Montana has experienced a high level of asbestos-related deaths. In the 1920's Asbestos mining began at the Libby mine in Libby, Montana. The mine progressed into the world's largest exporter of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, used in industrial and construction trades. Homes and buildings built prior to 1980 may contain asbestos.
All Montana home buyers, or those planning to remodel older Montana homes, need to be aware that asbestos exposure may lead to health problems. Today, Green insulation options are available to replace asbestos insulation.
Inhaling asbestos fibers over a period of time may cause asbestosis, a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment, or even the severe lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma; treatment is limited and the condition produces chronic respiratory problems. Research indicates mesothelioma can develop slowly, taking 20 to 50 years to manifest. Consequently, mesothelioma is often difficult to detect.
Prudence dictates a professional inspector examine a property for asbestos and other potentiallyy hazardous materials. Asbestos remediation in the workplace, public facilities, and homes must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor. Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos materials. The type of professional for your needs will depend on the type of product detected and the remediation process necessary to remedy the situation.
All asbestos is not necessarily harmful. If you suspect your worksite or home contains asbestos, professionals advise leaving it alone; disturbing it could release fibers into the site's atmosphere, creating a serious health risk.
Once remediation is completed, a builder may want to consider green insulation alternatives, including recycled paper, cotton fiber, denim, lcynene foam, cellulose, hemp, or even mushroom spore insulation.
According to the United Nations Environmental Program, the application of recycled building materials like cotton fiber insulation can lower annual energy consumption by 25 percent.
Eco-friendly data like this has caught the eye of those previously unaware of the availablity of environmentally sustainable, safe construction materials and practices. Not only do asbestos alternatives reduce energy costs, asbestos alternatives promote healthy work and living environments and are an effort to lower the overall exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
giving you the advantage...®
Taunya Fagan Prudential Montana Real Estate for Bozeman Green Homes
Prudential Montana Real Estate has taken on Black Bull, Bozeman, Montana's Family and Golf Community, offering resort-style living built around Black Bull's dynamic Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course. The private community includes a clubhouse, and, when not golfing, other recreational activities like swimming, tennis, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Black Bull is also within minutes of world-class downhill skiing and just about any other outdoor activity that comes to mind.
