Contractors Fined More Than $1 Million for Illegal Asbestos Disposal A contractor has been fined by the Allegheny County Health Department for almost $1.1 million for the illegal disposing of asbestos at the former Westinghouse headquarters. Ramesh Jain and his son Vikas Jain appealed the fine in 2017, which was later dismissed January 12, giving […]
Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania
Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was a popular building material due to its heat resistance, high-tensile strength, and affordability. As the dangers of asbestos became known, its use declined. The carcinogen was even banned for a short period of time in the late 1980s. However, its widespread […]
Friable Vs. Non-Friable Asbestos
Friable Vs. Non-Friable Asbestos Asbestos was used extensively in buildings and materials for decades until the 1980s because of its unique characteristics. Asbestos is affordable, durable, and fire and heat-resistant, making it a desirable ingredient for construction, manufacturing, and certain materials. Unfortunately, asbestos is also hazardous to human health. What is Friability? Friability is the […]
Asbestos Testing in Your Home
Asbestos Testing in Your Home Homebuyers frequently inquire about indoor air quality, and for good reason—the majority of Americans spend at least one-third of each day in their homes, so it is important to know if breathing the air could cause potential health issues. Uncertainty exists surrounding things like mold, formaldehyde, dogs, rats, and other […]
Asbestos Found In West Virginia University Area
Asbestos Found In West Virginia University Area According to the U.S. Geological Survey, West Virginia does not have any natural deposits of asbestos. Numerous industries such as coal mining, steel, glass manufacturing, and power plants exposed residents and workers to asbestos until the late 1970s when asbestos was declared a hazardous substance. Recent allegations of […]
Asbestos Cement: A Danger Decades Later
Asbestos Cement: A Danger Decades Later The World Health Organization suggests that each year, more than 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos while working. Asbestos was used in many industrial and construction applications in the 20th century. When asbestos is swallowed or inhaled, the fibers present a very significant health risk, including deadly diseases such […]
Paramedics and Asbestos Exposure
Paramedics and Asbestos Exposure First responders can encounter asbestos during rescue missions or disaster response efforts. Asbestos was used in construction materials produced before 1980. Although the use of asbestos has declined because of the discovery of its toxicity, the danger remains consistent as it is still found behind walls, under floors, in attics, and […]
Asbestos Abatement Can Help Prevent Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Asbestos Abatement Can Help Prevent Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Finding asbestos in the home can be quite scary because it can cause mesothelioma, lung, throat, esophageal, and colorectal cancers. Once encountering asbestos, it is easy to disturb the hazardous material and inhale dangerous asbestos fibers. One way to prevent asbestos from being a danger to […]
Asbestos in Drinking Water
Asbestos in Drinking Water Asbestos is limited to 7 million fibers per liter (Mfl) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. According to the EPA those who drink water with higher than that amount over extended periods may face an increased risk for benign intestinal polyps. Another recent study has shown asbestos in drinking water could […]
Asbestos in Vinyl Products
Asbestos in Vinyl Products If your home was constructed before 1980, you could have a vinyl floor in the kitchen, bath, or hallway that contains asbestos. Homes built between the 1920s and 1950s frequently had vinyl wallpaper with asbestos. Flooring and wall covering manufacturers frequently added asbestos to tiles, wallpaper sheet backing, and adhesives to […]