Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. As we’ve mentioned in our blog, Is Asbestos Man-Made or Naturally Occurring? it has been mined since there have been mines. However, it’s only since the 20th century that asbestos has seen widespread use, both in it’s mining and use in manufacturing. This article looks back at the last 100+ years of history to look at how asbestos’s numerous health concerns were discovered and linked to the mineral and why we’ve been so slow to stop using it. [Read more…] about The History of Linking Asbestos and Health Concerns
Archives for April 2018
The Link Between Mold Growth and Massachusetts Weather
The growth of mold and mildew in residential, commercial, and municipal structures as many different factors. The construction of the building, proper ventilation, and water leaks can all play a factor. And while many of these are controllable, the weather is not one of them. Certain seasons and weather events can have an impact on large buildings. Let’s unpack a Mass.gov article called “Preventing mold growth in Massachusetts schools during hot, humid weather” to learn a bit more about how MA’s summer weather affects structures like these. [Read more…] about The Link Between Mold Growth and Massachusetts Weather
What are the Asbestos Substitutes in Building Construction?
For all the harm asbestos has caused workers and homeowners, it filled a specific niche in building construction. Whole brands and companies were built around using asbestos in their products to reach goals of insulation, strength, and fire resistance. When asbestos phased out in the 80s from practically all fields of construction, many manufacturers had to turn to (or create) alternatives that would allow their companies and brands to continue to provide materials that met their needs while also being safe. Today we’ll look over the asbestos substitutes in building construction. [Read more…] about What are the Asbestos Substitutes in Building Construction?
Is There Asbestos in Your Drywall?
When it comes to building construction prior to the 1990s, asbestos – the “miracle mineral” with previously ignored health concerns – rears its ugly head. Asbestos use was prolific in the United States and throughout the world and is still used in some places and applications even after its health issues have been widely documented. We’ve talked in the past about asbestos’ use in construction as both an electrical insulator and thermal insulation. Today we’re focusing on drywall, also known in different countries, brands, and materials as plasterboard, wallboard, gypsum board, or sheetrock. [Read more…] about Is There Asbestos in Your Drywall?
