Homeowners BEFORE Remodeling Read This

This week I was contacted by Jesse Herman, the Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center who was looking for a Voice that would reach the Sacramento homeowners and home buyers.  Sacramento REAL Estate Voice was asked to help since so many of our readers live in Sacramento.  I always want to help be a service to my community and thought this was noteworthy.

Since homes built prior to 1980 likely have asbestos insulation, it is important for Sacramento homeowners and home buyers to be aware of the hazard while remodeling as this can be linked to Mesothelioma cancer. There are many environmentally safe and healthy ways to insulate your home.

Since I am a Realtor and do not have my medical degree let me turn this over to Joe Lederman who will explain the hazards of asbestos, where you can find it and what the “green” (be sure to read my latest update on being GREEN and free e-waste for Sacramento below) alternatives are to help reduce energy costs.  Take it away, Joe…

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral used throughout the 20th century in many building and industrial applications. Although manufacturers and mankind has known of asbestos’ health hazards for a long period of time, it wasn’t until the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 1990, that it began to regulate the amount of asbestos used in surfacing applications.

Due to its geologic history and location, several types of asbestos occur naturally within California’s state lines. It is important for those involved in real estate to take the proper measures in inspecting and removing the harmful product. Citizens of Sacramento must be aware that exposure to asbestos can potentially cause significant health concerns.

Known for its large industrial history, the economy in California has seen much success in ship-building, power generation and mining. Asbestos was utilized consistently, as the substance has fire and heat resistant qualities. Occurring naturally in 44 of California’s 58 counties, homes, jobsites and public facilities may still contain asbestos if they were built before 1980. Although asbestos exposure does not always lead to the development of illnesses, it greatly increases that chance. Exposure to asbestos can cause a severe form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Many symptoms of the disease may not show up for 20 to 50 years, making it incredibly difficult for doctors to diagnose potential carriers. Mesothelioma treatments typically include radiation, chemotherapy and experimental procedures. Although technology and treatments continue to improve, physician prognosis is usually poor and fatal.

Removal of asbestos in any type of location must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic materials. The California Department of Industrial Relations administers a number of programs which are aimed at preventing asbestos exposure in public facilities, workplaces and homes. Despite knowledge of the state’s asbestos problems, many communities throughout California still find themselves constructed atop asbestos deposits.

With the consistent growth in technology and public awareness, there are currently a number of products which replace the need for asbestos. Green alternative options such as cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene should then be considered as replacements. Research demonstrates that these new forms of insulation such as cotton fiber can reduce energy costs significantly every year. California is adopting the move to a greener lifestyle and is helping lead the nation in the change.

Joe Lederman

Hope you consider hiring someone trained in dealing with toxic materials and found this article helpful when thinking of remodeling your home. It never hurts to take the necessary precautions.

FREE E-Waste at CAL-EXPO this Friday, January 30th 4:30 am to 7:00 pm…drop off your old TV’s, radios, computers, small appliances-not refrigerators though) Google Map below

List of accepted items at E-Waste Collection Events:
Accepted items:

NOT accepted:
Anything other than electronics including:

View Larger Map Google Map to CAL Expo

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