On the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, individuals who are a part of the "Green Generation" are coming up with exciting and earth-friendly ways to celebrate. Started in 1970, Earth Day was founded with as a way to increase awareness of global environmental issues. 39 years later, the issues range from global warming to sustainability.
The "green living" craze, which has swept our nation, is one part of the "Green Generation's" earth-friendly philosophy. Many individuals are renovating their home or business and utilizing "green" building techniques and earth-conscious products, such as solar panels and recycled materials. As the number of people renovating their homes and businesses increases, it is important that all people understand the potential health dangers that may arise during the process of modernizing and refurbishing a structure.
Over 30 million buildings - including homes - contain asbestos products, such as attic insulation, drywall, acoustical plaster, floor and ceiling tiles, stucco, and roofing tiles. It is safe to assume that if a structure was built before 1980, it contains potentially harmful asbestos. Asbestos products are not dangerous unless they become friable, but if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged during renovations, asbestos fibers can dislodge and be released in to the air, putting individuals at risk of inhalation. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can cling to the mesothelium, or lining of the internal organs, and remain there for decades, where they may form a malignancy known as mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma is very rare (less than 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually) it is an extremely aggressive cancer that is always fatal.
As we celebrate Earth Day, it is important that all individuals are mindful of the potential dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is not just a problem for home and business owners who are beginning a renovation. Many locations nationwide have experienced asbestos contamination, including the town of Libby, Montana and Hamilton Township in New Jersey. Asbestos-tainted soil is extremely costly to decontaminate, and the asbestos abatement process in general - pre-testing, removal, and post-abatement air quality monitoring - are also expensive, but are required by law in an effort to protect the health of all people.
Today those celebrating Earth Day have the opportunity to educate themselves on a variety of environmental issues, including that of asbestos contamination. For additional information on the 39th Annual Earth Day, please visit the Earth Day Network website.
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