Asbestos Risks in Post-Hurricane Demolition and Cleanup The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left many homeowners and communities facing extensive cleanup efforts, particularly the demolition of structurally unsound buildings. While the focus may be on rebuilding, it is crucial to address potential health hazards hidden within damaged structures, especially asbestos-based materials. Identifying Asbestos-Containing […]
Northeastern PA Schools Receive $4 Million in Grants for Asbestos Abatement
Northeastern PA Schools Receive $4 Million in Grants for Asbestos Abatement Schools across Northeastern Pennsylvania are taking significant steps to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff, thanks to nearly $4 million in environmental repair grants awarded by the state. These funds, part of a broader statewide initiative, will help districts address critical […]
Contractors Fined More Than $1 Million for Illegal Asbestos Disposal
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 […]