The Asbestos Monster

Before the health hazards of asbestos were fully understood, it was a material used as a fire retardant and as insulation. Asbestos itself is not harmful, however, if the fibers are damaged and small spores are allowed to fly, those spores can enter your lungs and could foster the growth of cancerous cells or other pulmonary diseases over time.

Habitat takes it commitment to "safe, affordable, and decent" housing  very seriously. if the presence of damaged asbestos is every suspected, we are required to have it fully removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Only after  the home is certified as asbestos free can staff or volunteers work in the house.

The one good thing about asbestos is that once it is gone, it's gone. there is no measures a family needs to take to keep it at bay  like the moisture control needed to avoid mold.

One more challenge down, one to go. Next up, the second most common challenge Habitat faces in Home Rehabilitation projects, lead-based paint.

Next on the Quest: Lead-Based Paint

Moldy Mold

A common factor in many older homes that are prospective Home Rehabilitation projects for Habitat is the presence of severe water damage which leads to the growth of mildew and mold. When Habitat builds from the ground up, we can guarantee that the house is dry and that with proper maintenance there should be no mold issues. Existing homes, however, have been lived in and can therefore have some mold from untreated water damage that can occur in older homes. 

Fortunately, mold is a fairly easy fix. Once the source of the water damage is found and fixed, the mold clean up consists of cleaning off the mold with water and a mild detergent. After this quick fix, the house is inspected and treated for any other areas of potential water damage; providing our future homeowner with a dry, safe, and affordable house.

Next to be discussed is one of the tougher challenges Home Rehabilitation, the identification and remediation of asbestos and lead-based paint.

Next on the Quest: The Asbestos Monster