Despite widespread bans and heavy federal, state, and local regulations concerning its use, asbestos is still making the headlines today. For example, a public library in Normal, Illinois is currently studying options to deal with asbestos in an older section of their building. Asbestos in older structures, known as “legacy asbestos”, continues to haunt homeowners …
The devastating effects of asbestos on human health prompted several U.S. federal agencies to ban many asbestos-containing materials by 1978. However, did you know that currently asbestos is not totally banned and can still be used in the manufacture of products such as cement shingles, floor tiles, wallboard, and roofing materials? Further, homes built prior …
It seems we hear a lot about COPD lately. COVID may have brought more attention to the disease. Here is some information on both asbestos and COPD and how they are related. The harmful properties of asbestos were identified as early as the 1920s, when a British doctor noted that asbestos can cause lung “fibrosis.” …
In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule prohibiting the manufacture, importation, processing, and distribution in commerce of most asbestos-containing products. However, this rule was soon contested by domestic and foreign industries and the court ultimately invalidated the rule “based on findings that the EPA did not present sufficient evidence to justify …
Asbestos mining and manufacturing have diminished since the 1970s, when serious health hazards were directly linked to its exposure. Since that time, asbestos has been highly regulated by federal, state, and local agencies. For example, in the late 1970s the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard and gas fireplace …
Asbestos has been widely used in thousands of building materials over the course of history. Its naturally occurring availability, low cost, fire resistance, high tensile strength, and poor heat/electrical conductivity make it well suited for various uses in the construction trade. Little wonder that the word “asbestos” is derived from a Greek word meaning unquenchable …
Do you live in an older home? If it was built prior to 1980, asbestos-containing material could be present both inside and outside of your home. And the truth is, any home, regardless of when it was built, can have asbestos, as the materials used in various components of the house could contain asbestos fibers. …
We’re often asked about asbestos and how people are exposed to it in this day and age. While there is no specific threat to families in Colorado, asbestos is present depending on the age of your home and your particular occupation. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues. Although most American companies …
After any catastrophe, there are always companies willing to do work around your home or office. Cleaning up after the Marshall fire is no exception. It’s often good to look specifically for local contractors, as they have an invested interest in the area. Paragon Environmental has been involved with some of the owners in these …
Asbestos is not often found in the national news cycle these days. While part of the reason might be related to ever-emerging information related to COVID and other pressing issues, is it possible that people don’t consider asbestos-related topics to be relevant anymore? Tremendous progress has been made in controlling mining, the manufacturing of asbestos-containing …
