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"Agents For The Homebuyer"
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"Agents For The Homebuyer"
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When people think of asbestos in the home, they commonly think of the "cottage cheese" acoustic ceiling that was used in some homes constructed between 1945 and 1978. However, there are many other uses of asbestos in the home.
The following information is summarized from a booklet put out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August 1982: 1. Vinyl Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Asbestos is present in the backing on some vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl floor tiles. Fibers can be released if tiles are severely worn, sanded or cut to fit into places. Fibers can also be released if the backing on sheet flooring is dry-scraped or sanded.
One alternative to removal is to place new flooring material directly over the old flooring.
2. Patching Compounds and Textured Paints
Some wall and ceiling joints may be patched with asbestos containing material manufactured before 1977. Sanding or scraping will release fibers into the air.
Some textured paint sold before 1978 contained asbestos. It is unlikely, but possible that asbestos is being added to textured paint today. It has not been banned. Sanding or cutting a surface with textured paint that may contain asbestos should be avoided.
3. Stoves and Furnaces
Cement sheets, millboard and paper containing asbestos have been used frequently in homes when wood-burning stoves were installed. These materials may be coated with a high temperature paint, which will help seal any asbestos into the material. Sanding, drilling or sawing will release fibers.
Oil, coal, or wood fumaces with asbestos insulation and cement are generally found in some older homes. If the insulation on and around your furnace is in good condition, it is best to leave it alone. If the insulation is in poor condition, you may want to have it repaired or removed. Children should not be allowed to play around a furnace area if the insulation is in poor condition.
4. Door Gaskets
Some door gaskets in furnaces, ovens, and wood and coal stoves may contain asbestos. The door gaskets on wood and coal-burning stoves are subject to wear and can release fibers under normal use. Handle this material as little as possible.
5. Walls and Pipes
Homes built between 1930 and 1950 may contain insulation made with asbestos. This material is normally found inside the plaster walls and ceiling. Renovation or home improvement may expose and disturb the materials. It is extremely important that a trained asbestos contractor be used if this material is disturbed.
Hot water pipes and furnace ducts may be covered with asbestos containing material, used primarily to prevent heat loss. This type of insulation was manufactured from 1920 to 1972.
The best current recommendation is to leave damaged insulation in place and repair the protective covering. For example, you could use a good wide duct tape over the existing covering.
6. Appliances
Some appliances are manufactured with asbestos containing parts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reviewed information on asbestos contained in refrigerators, ranges, clothes dryers, dishwashers and ovens. There has been a general decline in the use of asbestos in these appliances in recent years.
Don't try to repair these items yourself. Instead, have a qualified repair person do it.
During your homebuying process I will provide you with an "Environmental Hazards" booklet put out by the California Association of Realtors(R). This will give you additional information about asbestos, as well as other environmental hazards that are related to homeownership.
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