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