On October 18th of this year, Johnson & Johnson – the massive corporation that makes everything from medical devices to skin cream – issued a voluntary recall on a single lot (33,000 units) of talc baby powder in “an abundance of caution” after regulators discovered trace amounts of asbestos in the product. While subsequent in-house testing by Johnson & Johnson turned up no asbestos contamination, it’s important to understand how asbestos ends up in talc powder and other products and the danger it represents. [Read more…] about Talc Baby Powder Recall: Understanding Asbestos Contamination
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Dealing with Household Mold in Fall
The fall is a great time in New England: the leaves are falling, the air is brisk, and the holidays are starting. And you’re not the only one ready to have a party. Autumn also brings with it the start of the rainy season, and that same brisk weather means your home is locking down and heating up. These two factors: an increase in moisture and nowhere for it to go can start building the perfect environment for mold – and that’s not even counting any curveballs the weather can throw at you. [Read more…] about Dealing with Household Mold in Fall
What are Common Asbestos Containing Features in a House?
Here at Fiber Control, Inc., we talk a lot about the prevalence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in homes. Consider this blog your one-stop-shop for the most common offenders when it comes to asbestos in residential homes. While some of this, such as popcorn ceiling and insulation, can be easily dated and traced back to its source, other common asbestos-containing features are hard to spot without a full inspection. [Read more…] about What are Common Asbestos Containing Features in a House?
Asbestos on the Ground Floor: Living Spaces and Bedrooms
Due to its properties of heat resistance, insulation, sound dampening, and low cost, asbestos was used in home and business construction all the way until its partial ban in the late 80s. Homeowners of these older homes need to be aware of the risks in their home, especially before a remodel. We’ve already looked at the basement and the attic for common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Now let’s look in the living spaces of a home between them. [Read more…] about Asbestos on the Ground Floor: Living Spaces and Bedrooms
The Findings of the EPA’s SNUR Ruling on Asbestos
It’s been a while since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had issued any findings or ruling on asbestos or asbestos-related products. Ever since the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule (ABPR) was gutted in 1991 in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, there has been a grey area when it comes to certain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Some have worried new EPA rulings could either expand that grey area or allow new asbestos manufacturing and product use in the United States. [Read more…] about The Findings of the EPA’s SNUR Ruling on Asbestos
Asbestos in Apartments: Presence and Liability
As a landlord, you’ve got many relationships with your tenants. Some are financial in terms of rent and insurance. Some are obligations, such as maintenance and repair. And some are legal. Part of your legal requirements (in almost every state, including those in New England) is to provide “livable rentals” for your tenants. If you discover or believe there may be asbestos present in your apartments, you need to take measures to protect your tenants, workers, and yourself. [Read more…] about Asbestos in Apartments: Presence and Liability
