If you live in an older home, lead and asbestos in your water supply is a genuine concern. The dangers of old municipal pipes had made national headlines during the events of Flint, yet few are aware that similar concerns and worse could potentially be present in your own home. Being in a region renowned for its older architecture, let’s review the concerns related to lead and asbestos in your water pipes. [Read more…] about The Dangers of Lead and Asbestos in Your Water Pipes
Asbestos
The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos is commonplace in both residential and commercial properties in the United States, especially in the northeast. A majority of homes and commercial establishments in New England were built before 1970 and, as such, harbor many asbestos construction materials in their walls. However, regardless of the type of property you own, hiring an abatement crew to remove or remediate asbestos is vital. Though, to better prepare, it’s important to understand that there’s a difference between residential and commercial asbestos abatement. [Read more…] about The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Asbestos Abatement
Understanding OSHA’s 4 Classes of Asbestos Work
Asbestos is an extremely dangerous and scary material to work with, which is why OSHA has to be very thorough when determining which contractors are approved to work with varying degrees of asbestos hazards. If a contractor performs asbestos abatement for which they are not qualified, not only are they endangering themselves and their crew but also the surrounding neighbors and environment. Let’s take a look at OSHA’s four classes of asbestos work and their certification requirements. [Read more…] about Understanding OSHA’s 4 Classes of Asbestos Work
The Cost of Covering Up Asbestos in Schools
Asbestos is a concern for many aging schools in the United States. It can be an expensive problem to contend with, so when a routine inspection uncovers the presence of the hazardous material, it can be a significant stressor for school administrators. However, ignoring or even taking steps to obscure the existence of asbestos on school grounds can result in much direr consequences. To understand the repercussions of this unethical and dangerous act, let’s take a look at the cost of covering up asbestos in schools. [Read more…] about The Cost of Covering Up Asbestos in Schools
Is It Possible to Remove Asbestos in Winter?
Removing asbestos is an arduous task and one that even the most experienced abatement crews have to carefully prepare for. With temperatures hovering above freezing and snow and ice coating the ground, winter can be a difficult time to carry out even the simplest of chores. If asbestos is suspected in one’s home, it can be a frightening prospect, but with harsh winter conditions outside, a homeowner may believe there’s nothing that can be immediately done. Oftentimes, these moments beg the question: Is it possible to remove asbestos in winter? [Read more…] about Is It Possible to Remove Asbestos in Winter?
How Winter Can Increase Asbestos Exposure
Winter is a time full of holidays, festive decorations, and organizing clutter within your home. Yet, all these seemingly innocent wintertime activities can actually increase your risk of asbestos exposure. Not all asbestos originates from remodeling, renovations, or constructions; the simple act of decorating your home for the holidays can have unforeseen consequences. Understanding how winter can increase asbestos exposure can help you be vigilant and avoid adverse health complications in the future. [Read more…] about How Winter Can Increase Asbestos Exposure