This week, the McClure Elementary School in Philadelphia finally re-opens its doors after being closed since before winter break. Between these times, it has been at the center of controversy, protests, and costly contractor work. McClure, and several other schools in the Philadelphia School District, has been targeted by administrators because of the presence of asbestos and the need to finally detect and remove the asbestos in schools. McClure and other schools stand as an example of how asbestos still affects our children today, years after asbestos-containing materials were discontinued in construction. [Read more…] about McClure Elementary School: An Example of the Impact of Asbestos in Schools
Asbestos
Natick: What Happens When Asbestos Isn’t Properly Disposed Of
The citizens of Natick, Massachusetts are $1 million in taxes poorer as cleanup of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) buried on the site of a future fire station was unearthed during construction. But why were they found on what was otherwise an empty lot and how did they get there? It’s important to understand how the legacy of asbestos and a lack of following federal and state guidelines not only create a costly problem but also potentially endangers the lives of everyone involved, knowing or not. [Read more…] about Natick: What Happens When Asbestos Isn’t Properly Disposed Of
What to Do If A Home Inspection Turns Up Asbestos
Part of buying or selling a home usually entails a home inspection – an in-depth survey of a home foundation, structure, systems (such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical), and more. While not all home inspections are equal or even thorough, each can turn up something wrong with the home. Some will be small problems or simply good point to negotiate a price for the home, but others can pose a bigger risk. Today let’s look at what happens if a home inspection turns up asbestos. [Read more…] about What to Do If A Home Inspection Turns Up Asbestos
Is Asbestos Exposure More Dangerous to Children and Infants?
Everyone wants to make sure their kids grow up strong and healthy. The last thing they want is for hazardous materials and conditions children can be exposed to cause life-long life or health issues, or even death. Among other hazardous materials found in homes, businesses, and childcare facilities such as schools and daycares is asbestos. It’s important to understand the specific risks that asbestos exposure can cause to infants and children. [Read more…] about Is Asbestos Exposure More Dangerous to Children and Infants?
Dealing with Asbestos in Schools: Investigation and Abatement
In older schools and other childcare facilities, there’s a chance that asbestos is present. Especially in larger schools, the presence of asbestos in the structure and insulation of these public facilities is high. It’s important as a parent to know as much as you can about the state of schools your children attend, and there are resources out there. Learn about how AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) guidelines provide regulations for your schools to follow, including documentation on asbestos inspections and abatement. [Read more…] about Dealing with Asbestos in Schools: Investigation and Abatement
Asbestos Filters: Risks for Businesses and Their Products
Asbestos was used far and wide in the US and other developed countries before being phased out in the 1980s as the health effects became more and more apparent to the public. While this blog generally focuses on asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as construction materials, asbestos was also used in many commercial and industrial products, including filters. Asbestos filters were generally used in commercial and industrial grade processes, with the possibility of tainting their products or sometimes being built into them. [Read more…] about Asbestos Filters: Risks for Businesses and Their Products
