Residents encouraged to seek asbestos alternatives

Residents of Tulsa, Oklahoma have been encouraged to take precautions to prevent asbestos exposure when renovating or repairing their homes, and the advice is good for homeowners everywhere. Homes that were built before 1980 may contain asbestos, a toxic mineral that was used by many industries that worked with electricity, fire and corrosive materials.

Asbestos exposure can be prevented by taking simple precautions. First and foremost, if people suspect that asbestos is present in their homes, they should leave it alone so that the fibers do not become airborne. Inhalation or ingestion of asbestos can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma lawyers advocate for the rights of asbestos victims because manufacturers who were aware of the substance’s toxic properties withheld that information from the public.

Professional inspectors should be hired to determine whether or not asbestos-containing materials are present. If asbestos removal is required, it has to be done by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

Homeowners can look for environmentally friendly and money-saving alternatives for insulation replacements. Recycled building materials – such as Icynene, cellulose and cotton fiber – can be used as insulation and reduce home energy costs by up to 25 percent annually.

For the full story, go to Oklahoma RealEstateRama.