Florida Real Estate News : Sarasota Florida and Beyond

A recent article from the National Mesothelioma Center reports about the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral with long fibrous crystals which has been used for more than a century as a form of building insulation and piping. Asbestos became popular in the late 19th century due to being resistant to heat and other deteriorating conditions.

Homes or buildings which were constructed before 1980 have a potential to harbor and contain asbestos. It is extremely important to make sure the location has been tested for levels of these chemicals by abatement contractors. Citizens of Florida should be aware that exposure to asbestos fibers become a health concern when high levels are inhaled over a long period of time.

Failure to inspect the property can make you and your family susceptible to asbestos related diseases such as peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. These types of cancer take the lives of thousands each year. With limited treatment and poor prognosis, these asbestos lung cancers kill more people than any other work related disease.

After decades of misinformation and repression of the truth, property owners, workers and real estate agents all over the world are now receiving the proper indications and information towards the risks that they face.

With increasing awareness and technology, there are a variety of insulation alternatives and building materials which easily replace the need for asbestos. The United Nations Environmental Program states that the use of recycled building materials such as cotton fiber insulation can reduce energy use by 25% to 35%. These asbestos alternatives allow for a clean, healthy environment, free of health damaging materials.