Illinois – Care for the Environment

One of the great metropolitan states in the country, Illinois is known for big city life, culture and tourism. Potential home or business owners should greatly consider proper inspection of asbestos fibers in buildings. Many homes built after 1980 have the potential of harboring asbestos, causing related disease and injury to many people. Ranking seventh in the United States in asbestos and mesothelioma related disease or injury, Illinois is renowned for its industry strength. Containing minimal naturally occurring asbestos deposits, it still found its way through commerce, industry and housing. Research has shown over 372, 776 tons of asbestos vermiculite made its way to Illinois from Montana. As modern technology and awareness continues to rise, levels of asbestos have begun to decline in the great state.

The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) works to detect amounts of Libby asbestos outside and inside plants in Illinois and other states. Illinois also has a strong legacy of naval activities due to bordering Lake Michigan. Although the naval base did not embark in ship building, asbestos exposure has been quite a problem at the facility. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. Contracted by exposure to Asbestos, it can lead to Malignant mesothelioma, which can spread throughout the body. Lawmakers, politicians and citizens are quickly changing the old guard to install green and sustainable methods of construction.

Environmental Techniques – Go Green!

Many people do not give much thought into what is being consumed around them throughout their daily lives. Americans in the workplace don’t pay attention to the air they breathe while at work or leaking faucets in bathrooms. In the modern world, modern inventions such as electricity can be taken for granted. The Green Building Resource Center indicates that in the U.S., buildings account for 36 % of energy use, 65% of electricity and 30 % of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Many cities are adapting to this new green paradigm. In Illinois, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation. Some alternatives to insulation include: Cellulose, which is becoming a popular new green insulation material. It is chemically treated to reduce levels of mold. Cotton fiber is also becoming a favorite insulation method. Made from recycled batted material, it is then treated to be fireproof. Water based spray polyurethane foam, Lcynene, is a healthy insulation which contains no toxic components.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) conducted a study in 2003 where they estimated a net savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. Living in a world where environmental sustainability is a vital concern to the future of mankind, it is important to take note of the consequences of miss-education and improper building techniques. Illinois is taking the steps to move to the green paradigm and you should too. As general information of Asbestos and environmental practices get higher, these numbers will continue to rise as more eco-sustainable options grow as well.

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