Do you Have Asbestos in Your Building? Manage It Safely with Green Coatings!

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been continually used for centuries worldwide. It is best known for its fireproofing characteristics and can be found in over two thousand building products. Even though it was outlawed in 1974 in the USA, it is still produced and used in many countries, such as China and Russia, while other countries including Japan and South Korea have recently placed a full ban on the manufacture, import and use of asbestos.

Even though Japan has recently outlawed asbestos, they estimate that there are over five million existing roofs alone made up of ACM (Asbestos Containing Materials) that could potentially be released into the environment.

The question is not whether asbestos can cause serious medical concerns/problems. It’s proven that it can. The question is whether it can be used safely for its positive attributes without exposing anyone to its potential harm.

Asbestos can be safely managed just like other hazards in our life, such as gasoline or electricity. We take daily advantage of these other potential hazards and wouldn’t think of not using them to make our lives more productive and comfortable. It can and should be the same with asbestos. We manage all the potential dangers of these other hazardous materials safely all the time without much thought on how we do that. We take for granted the strength and reliability of a strong gas tank or the durability of the coating over our electric cords.

We wouldn’t want a leaky gas tank or a frayed electric cord. With the same thought managing the potential hazards of asbestos with a good protective coating does easily and safely deal with all its potential dangers while still taking advantage of its positive uses.

We demand that our gas tanks don’t leak and our electricity doesn’t harm anyone. We should and can expect the same when we manage asbestos, which has been called the best fireproofing known to mankind. As with a gas tank or electric cords, you wouldn’t want to use cheap materials to contain those potential hazards and the same should be expected with in-place management of asbestos. We don’t need to remove them, just safely manage them.

Removing all asbestos would be the same as removing all water in our lives because people can drown or removing any fire because people and buildings get burned. It would be like having no swimming pools or think about no barbeques, cookouts or fireplaces.

People have been torn between removing the asbestos that already exist in their structures or just simply letting it be. Both choices result to the same thing – unhealthy air for its inhabitants and those surrounding it. Unsafely removing asbestos would release the asbestos fiber into the air making it unhealthy for our lungs. On the other hand, not doing anything about it would still release asbestos fibers through breakdown and disintegration. So what is there left to do?

Much like everything else in life, it all boils down to how we handle and manage things. Asbestos can be managed in place through encasement with green coatings. Encasement refers to encasing building components, interior and exterior, including the hazardous materials; in this case, asbestos. And the most efficient way to do so is with green coatings. Roofing and spray on fireproofing made up of asbestos are some of the largest areas of concern that can benefit from being encased with green coatings.

Encasement with green coatings is a long term, sustainable and, more importantly, renewable solution compared to typical paints or coatings which only last a few years.  It reduces the harmful effects on people and the environment while lengthening the life of buildings.

It also happens to be the economical alternative to other abatement methods, such as removal, disposal and replacement. Encasement is less disruptive of ongoing services. It does not require shutting down buildings or having to relocate occupants, which is costly and time consuming. Most work can be completed in a minimal amount of time with no building disruption at all, resulting to a savings of 25% to 75% over removal and replacement.

In addition, not having to do any sort of removal of any building components is environmentally sound. Removing and replacing any building component means transporting and disposing of that material in our already overflowing landfills. Studies show that a large number of the CO2 emissions causing green house gases, contributing to global warming/climate change, are coming from landfills. It stands to reason that we need to minimize the generation of this unnecessary waste by recycling buildings and all their components, which is easily accomplished through in place management with encasement green coatings.

Looking at a simple balance sheet like the one below it’s easy to see the logical choice of management in place with encasement green coatings over removal and replacement.

IN-PLACE MANAGEMENT

(PROJECT FACTORS)

METHODS: Encase with conventionally applied, preferably green coatings.

JOBSITE PREPARATION STAGES: Overspray or splatter protection with plastic or drop cloths.

LABOR FORCE: Knowledge of how to use a paint brush, roller, or conventional airless sprayer.

EQUIPMENT: Brush, roller or conventional airless sprayer.

JOBSITE PROCEDURES: Apply the green coatings with brush, roller or conventional airless sprayer.

AFTER PROCEDURE: Let dry.

CLEAN UP: Water rinse off equipment.

TRANSPORTATION OF WASTE: None

DISPOSAL: None

STORAGE: None

LOCATION DOWNTIME: Depending on size: 0 to 24 hours. Most often same day turnaround.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Any coatings used should have low VOCs, and no ozone depleting substances. They should also be “Green” and environmentally advanced, solar reflective, and with little or no impact on the environment.

RELOCATION FEES: In most cases none.

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

(PROJECT FACTORS)

METHODS: The removal of the hazardous materials and replacement.

JOBSITE PREPARATION STAGES: Full containment with layers of plastic covering all the surfaces that will not be removed. Negative air machines to provide a clean air exchange every 15 minutes. Decontamination chambers with a dirty room to remove all contaminated clothes, a shower room to wash yourself and your respirator. A clean room to dress in your street clothes.

LABOR FORCE: Trained, medically tested, hazardous material certified, respirator fit tested and licensed removal workers. Skilled laborers to replace the removed material.

EQUIPMENT: Full or half face respirators, sometimes with outside supplied air. Disposable suits, air monitoring pumps, negative air machines, scrapers, duct tape, special bags, brushes, rollers, sprayers and decontamination chambers.

JOBSITE PROCEDURES: First set up full containment then wet scrape and bag all the removed material. Follow with a lock down of any remaining fibers. Do air monitoring before breaking down containment and replace the removed materials.

AFTER PROCEDURE: Apply coating to lock down any of the remaining hazard that is not visible to the naked eye. Replace the removed hazard with a product of equal or greater value.

CLEAN UP: Special bagging of the hazardous materials and removal and bagging of the first layer of plastic before air monitoring clearance samples.

TRANSPORTATION OF WASTE: Special trucks to transport the hazardous waste.

DISPOSAL: Special hazardous materials location.

STORAGE: Special hazardous materials storage location with lifetime ownership.

LOCATION DOWNTIME: Considerable downtime – depending upon project size and scope of work.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The removal process increases the chance of exposure, loss of environmental area for storage and the removed materials do not easily break down, lasting for generations. Also, studies show that 42% of CO2 emissions causing greenhouse gases are coming from overflowing landfills.

RELOCATION FEES: The costs are considerably extensive. Studies show that for every dollar spent on a direct cost, there is another dollar spent on indirect cost such as with building downtime, people and office relocation.

Green coatings have no environmental downside to using them. They are non-toxic, water based, low VOC’s, (Volatile Organic Compounds), no ODS’s (Ozone Depleting Substances), Class A fire rated. The products should be backed up with toxicological reports proving that they are so clean that they can be applied even with pregnant women and children in the room. Green coatings used for encasement should also be extremely durable, long lasting and able to take a lot of abuse. They must be especially flexible; being able to elongate with the expanding and contracting of any typical building movements.

With this kind of green coatings, in place management and restoration with encasement green coatings is the best and most practical way to extend a buildings life including its roof along with safely dealing with most of its components as well as potentially hazardous ones.

About the Author

GLOBAL Encasement, Inc. is a Pro Planet Positive Company, of high quality, water based, fully tested and approved, Class A Fire Rated, award winning, environmentally friendly, non-toxic protective green coatings for renewable/sustainable waterproofing, roofing and most interior and exterior building surfaces. GLOBAL Encasement Inc.’s Environmentally Advanced products have always been Green and can be warranted to last for twenty years.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Disease California – Asbestos Law

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i am buying a new house and i just got a visual inspection. Is is neccessary to get my house tested f?

i am intrested in a potential home, i just paid for a building inspection report.(visual inspection)

should i get the house tested for lead, mold, asbestos. etc…

As this is one of the most important purchases you are likely to make for some time – I would say check it out again

A building inspector gives a good idea of the structure of the building and should aslo let you know if there are any structual problems – what must be done at once and what needs doing in the long term to make it safe etc.

If your inspection report was made as a “visual inspection” only then it was probably just a walk through and around to see if there were any visable signs of cracking in walls, water damage, erosion etc.

Who did the inspection – Did you choose the building inspector, or was it someone suggested by either the home owner or the estate agency?

We usually get a couple of quotes for car repairs, so as this is a much more important purchase, I’d suggest the following.

1 – If you are content with the visual inspection by the building inspector, and really want this home – maybe put in your expression of interest, subject to a satisfactory inspection in all areas.

2 – Get another inspection done – mentioning the areas you are concerned about. The building inspector should know if your worries re lead and asbestos are valid, by the age of the home and the area. Ask him for details.

Make sure this building inspector is prepared to “get down and get dirty” (When we bought our house, the building inspector walked around, and went through crawl spaces etc. He found some problems we were happy enough to “wear” but missed out on water seepage under the house and mould – because of a smashing paint job)

Signs of mould are a bit more difficult to discover as a spruce up paint job can cover a heap of problems so if rooms are freshly painted definately ask for a mould test. Remember mould can be found in any room – not just bathrooms, kitchens and laundry.

Also get a termite inspection done – white ant or other nasties.

3 – if you do find any of the above faults ask for a quote on getting it fixed.

4 – This gives you a couple of choice – negotiate a better price so you can get the repairs done -( show the quote as proof of what you are saying and try to get that deducted from the overall price. Or sugest that you are happy to pay full price so long as they bring the home to an acceptable level before you buy it.

Or if the damage is within your own expertese and you are happy to do it yourself and the price is reasonable – you could choose to go ahead and buy – wearing the cost of repair etc.

Or just say NO, sorry there is too much to be done and look elsewhere.

One other thing – if you are still searching for a home – do some reseach on “How to spot potential problems” Learn how to spot water damage, the almost invisible signs of mould, the ages and areas of homes that have or are likely to have asbestos included the same for lead.

I would probably try to discover what is under the ground as well – ie was that area a tip or garbage dump before the house was built – that sort of thing.

Also check out via a solicitor or conveyancing office that the title is free and clear before you go ahead.

I’d say this is intended as a family home and you either have children now or intend to in the near future.

If you have doubts or fears regarding any property you intend to buy – get it checked out as fully as possible.

I am aware all this can cost a fair bit – so I would only do it on a house I REALLY want.

A few extra thousand dollars could save you from much more expense in the long run

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is it ok to wrap your house with tyvek OVER asbestos cement shingles?

What would be the benefits of wrapping over the shingles. The home does not have insulation inside the walls. I am trying to avoid the expense of tearing everything down and putting in insulation. Is that something that CAN be avoided?
I forgot to mention that after wrapping, I am planning on putting up hardy plank. Is this going to be energy efficient enough, or is insulation really necessary?

Asbestos isn’t something you should keep around to save a few bucks.

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UN Opens Temporary Office During Asbestos Renovation

A three-story, $140 million temporary office and conference building opened Monday, signifying the start of a major renovation of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

The building is part of a larger renovation project estimated to be completed in 2013. The original 57-year-old building currently violates several New York City safety and fire codes, but more importantly, is filled with asbestos, a toxic fiber
once used in construction.

Asbestos exposure is linked to several serious and sometimes deadly medical conditions, including mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of lung cancer that often manifests years after the initial exposure. Due the danger and time-consuming nature of asbestos removal, it should only be attempted by a licensed professional.

Around 1,300 U.N. staff are currently working in the 39-story Secretariat building, where more than 20 asbestos removal projects have already taken place. The U.N. Staff Union, an organization representing more than 5,000 staff at U.N. headquarters criticized the renovation efforts for starting on the asbestos removal before the building was emptied. Late March is listed as the anticipated date the remaining employees are slated to be out of the building, according to the L.A. Times.

Because of the extreme expense associated with asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, many individuals who have been exposed to the deadly asbestos fibers have opted to contact a mesothelioma lawyer to review his or her legal rights. In order to achieve proper monetary compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, an often lengthy mesothelioma lawsuit may ensue.

Union President Stephen Kisambira was disappointed in the U.N.’s actions, writing that “The staff is being compromised to compensate for cost overruns.”

The temporary building was built with a utilitarian purpose, with minimal comforts and little privacy for the 272 U.N. staff including the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his top team. Several conference rooms and rooms frequented by visiting dignitaries and VIPs have been decorated and carpeted – in contrast to the rest of the building, which lacks most ornamentation.

More than 7,000 other U.N. staff members are working from rented office space in Manhattan. Build with an utilitarian purpose, the temporary building has minimal comforts like carpet and escalators and little privacy for employess.

After renovation is complete and the asbestos has been removed, U.N. staff members will be allowed to return to the headquarters. The temporary building “will be dismantled, its components recycled or reused, and [the] beautiful north lawn will be restored,” according to Ki-moon.

The renovation is expected to be a $1.9 billion project.

About the Author

Additional information about contacting a potential mesothelioma lawyer can be found at http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/. Additional information about a variety of other legal topics, including finding a brain injury lawyer or the side effects of Yasmin can be found at http://www.LegalView.info/.

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Council wowed by success of fundraising effort
BY GREG KWASNIK The Bedford Historical Society raised more than $95,000 in 60 days to save the historic Stevens Buswell School, an 89-year-old structure that has been plagued by mold, asbestos and structural settling. On April 5, the historical society signed an agreement with the Town Council to take on the responsibility of rehabbing the town-owned building, which faced an uncertain future …
217 E Walnut St

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Hidden cameras to catch polluters
CAMERAS are being hidden in bushes and attached to tree branches in a hi-tech war on illegal dumping in South Australia.
338 22nd St., Bklyn NY–Illegal Work Part 2

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Firefighters face many unknowns; Burning materials can cause mesothelioma or release carcinogens
Firefighters around the country take a calculated risk each day as they suit up when called upon to help save the lives and property of others. Burns, smoke inhalation and a building collapse are commonly acknowledged risks of the job. However, mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos is just one of the lesser-known risks firefighters must consider as they prepare as fully as they can …
Iron Workers – Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks -

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Nestle bows to Greenpeace pressure with beefed up palm oil policy
James Murray, BusinessGreen , Monday 17 May 2010 at 17:48:00 Food giant announces comprehensive new supply chain guidelines after campaign group accused Kit Kats of indirectly fuelling rainforest destruction After months of criticism from campaign group Greenpeace over its alleged use of palm oil grown in illegal plantations on previously forested land, Nestle yesterday announced a major …
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My Congoleum vinyl sheet flooring was installed in 1984. Does it contain asbestos? 800 number to check this?

One contractor says he will tear up my old kitchen flooring and “don’t worry about it.” Another says he can’t do it because it definitely contains asbestos because it was installed in 1984. He wants to encapsulate the existing floor and lay a 1/4 ” on top of that. Obviously the latter contractor wants more money. Who is right?

Very doubtful if it does. But you can call 1- 800 -274 -3266 to contact them. M-F 9-5 EST . Most vinyl that contained asbestos was in the VCT 12×12 ( approx) size squares. I don t ever recall sheet goods having asbestos and most all was out lawed anyway in late 70s. Won t hurt to call anyway . If this is the only layer of flooring down you can go over it once w/ the luan and vinyl. GL

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Building with asbestos to come down
The Jackson County Commission is looking for someone to remove asbestos from the old work camp building on the Road and Bridge yard. Built in 1957, it hasn’t been used to house work camp inmates in many years. It has been used for storage, instead.

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Would a 1979 ceiling have asbestos in it?

We just bought our first home and it has the old popcorn ceilings. I have heard that if the house was built prior to the mid seventies, then it might be asbestos. This house was 1979, so I think we would be safe. Is there any way to find out that won’t cost a lot of money, like a kit or a test?

The simple answer I found is “maybe”. Asbestos was banned for use in popcorn ceilings in 1977, so there was probably a lot of it still floating around in 1979. read the information on the epa website, and then decide for yourself what to do

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html

I would use extreme caution if you tried to remove it. wear gloves, long sleeve shirts, a respiratior, not just a cheap dust mask, and then clean the house from top to bottom when you are done.

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Asbestos Exposure Continues to Scar U.S. Workers and Their Families, New York Attorney Says
Nationally recognized asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer Joseph W. Belluck says the history of asbestos exposure is still being written.
Home Inspection for Asbestos

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Four Ways to Boost Property Value Quickly and Inexpensively

The goal of this real estate investing article is to show ways a real estate investor can increase the value of investment real estate. But unlike expensive upgrades generally associated with building improvements such as a new roof, siding, or exterior paint, an investor can actually implement these four steps quickly, easily, and inexpensively.

1) Upgrade Vacant Land

If your investment is vacant land (not improved rental property), there are several things that you can do in an effort to add value. For instance, you might consider getting a temporary use so the land can be utilized maybe as a U-Pick strawberry patch, or an overflow parking lot for a used car dealership. Clean out any junk or debris littered on the land, and try to get the neighbors to clean up their properties, as well. If the lot is barren, consider strategically planting some trees or plants. Finally, see whether the local authorities are willing to rezone the land to a higher and better use.

2) Spit-Polish the Exterior

Curb appeal is the property’s calling card. The first impression a prospective buyer gets as he or she drives past or up to your income property can mean the difference between a sale with a profit and no sale at all. Start with the landscaping. Trimming or replacing shrubs and plants around the improvements can add highly positive immediate and long-term results. In fact, landscaping is probably the best element to consider first.

A redesign of the entrance to a property can also impact a property’s appearance. As can a new walkway or the installation of a new door (many consider the “front door appearance” one of the very best single expenditures). New door hardware, a new brass mailbox, and a new brass doorknocker around a freshly painted or new door, for instance, can be all it takes to give an overall impression of quality throughout the building and the kind of “remodeling” that can turn a dull, drab property into a fresh vibrant one that seems to beckon new buyers.

How should you handle things that need “fixing”? If you’re new to real estate investing, you might shy away from properties that need a lot of repairs unless there’s ample capital to handle hidden problems that could surface. Otherwise, here are some tips.

Small items that need to be fixed should be completely repaired with quality material. Broken toilet seats, doors that stick, cabinets that will not open or close, plumbing that drips, and so on, are all minor things found in most income property that can be fixed without much cost. Just be certain that you do it right and that you use quality materials.

3) Dig for Interior Treasure

If you’re looking at an investment property that’s priced below market, chances are it’s because the previous owner failed to care for it. Turning around a property that hasn’t been cared for can take ample cleaning, fixing, and painting, and may take time, but it will be worth it.

Here are some easy things you can do during the inspection process to maybe uncover a few “gems” hidden in the property that might give the interiors a fresh and more expensive look.

Look under the carpet for hardwood floors, tile, or marble. Bringing these back to their natural state can be much easier than replacing the carpet, and certainly can add value. While you’re at it, also look for rotten floorboards, termite damage, and worst of all, asbestos. The key is to know what you are dealing with in all eventualities, and if a problem is encountered, you can get an estimate on what it will cost to deal with it, or walk away from the deal by using one of the outs in the purchase contract.

Check under the paint on doorplates, hardware, and railings. Countless brass fixtures and other brass items have been discovered in older properties under blankets of paint that you wouldn’t be able to replace today for less than a fortune.

Tap on the doors and walls to see whether they’re solid. Solid wood doors in good shape can be restored and add value to a neglected building. Solid-sounding walls might indicate block or heavy plaster, which are more costly building materials than cheap wallboard, and therein capable of adding value to the real estate. Plus, these better-quality features are sure to provide you with good marketing copy later.

4) Exhibit Pride of Ownership

Any owner making an effort to maintain a property in top condition and shape is an owner exhibiting pride of ownership. Thus giving the impression that the property was purchased to be “owned” and not for a fast turnover, and in turn making the most positive statement to tenants and future buyers. Moreover, how a landlord maintains his rental property becomes public knowledge in a short period within small communities, and even in larger cities, eventually becomes known inside real estate circles.

Just be clean and neat. Pride of ownership doesn’t have to be lavish or extravagant, nor should it be unless the rents and property location warrants it. The idea is to draw interest in the property and at the same time to eliminate any doubt that things are not well maintained.

About the Author

James Kobzeff is the developer of ProAPOD, leading real estate investment software since 2000. Start working with rental property today. Create cash flow, rate of return, and profitability analysis presentations in minutes! Go to => http://www.proapod.com

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