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EXPRESS Page 15
March 25, 2009
HOMES & GARDENS Lurking health hazards
I have a suspicion that we may have vermiculite insulation in our home. What is it and what does it look like? Are there any health concerns associated with vermiculite? Vermiculite is a type of loose fill insulation that was sold from the 1920’s until 1984 throughout North America. Vermiculite has an accordion like appearance, with a colour ranging from a silvery gold translucent that may darken to a black or grey with age. The health issue with vermiculite insulation is that it may contain naturally occurring asbestos fibres. Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring, fibrous silicate minerals that were commonly used as an acoustic insulator, thermal insulation, fire proofing and other building materials even drywall products and roofing shingles have used asbestos. Many products in use today contain asbestos.
Home Front
Bill Lynch, Paul Muntak & Dale Olinyk
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibres that may become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. When these fibres get into the air or are friable they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems such as lung diseases including: asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure. With that being said, generally the home environment will be fairly safe for the occupants unless these products are disturbed such
as frequent attic activities or renovations. The only way to know for sure if the insulation may contain asbestos is to have it tested. If you plan on renovating your home in such a way that the insulation would be disturbed or attic activities are required you should take the proper precautions and have it tested and removed if necessary prior to your renovation. Vermicultie was sold under various brand names such as: • Zonolite Attic Insulation • Attic Fill • House Fill • Home Insulation • Zonolite Insulating Fill • Econofil • Quiselle Insulating Fill • Sears Micro Fill • Ward’s Mineral Fill • Wickes Attic Insulation • Cashway Attic Insulation • Attic Plus • Unifil • Mica Pellets Attic Insulation
Answers on page 14
Bill, Paul and Dale are building consultants with Lynch Building Inspection Services Ltd. of Nelson. Send questions to editor@expressnews.bc.ca. Archived copies of Home Front can be found at www.lynchinspection.com.
‘I wasn’t born organized
OK, you admire your friend, who is so organized it’s a little scary. You, meanwhile, can’t find your keys and are beginning to wonder if you will be unorganized for the rest of your life. So what is the big myth behind organizing that has people feeling such despair? Well, it’s the idea that “organizing is only for type-A personalities.” Yes, they are usually born organized and can be shown how to use conventional organizational tools, and with no problem, easily maintain it. However, the rest of us to can thrive with a bit of organization. Hey, even the most artistic person needs to be able to find the keys to the studio and pay the hydro bill on time! The thing is creative and sensitive personality types Jen Heale is the owner of Neat-Organizing and Decluttering Service and a member of POC (Professional Organizers of Canada). You may contact Jen directly with organizing questions to organized@neatnelson. com or 551NEAT(6328).
Restoring Order
Jen Heale
usually require non-traditional and simple systems, because the extra steps in most conventional systems usually become their downfall. Many A-type personalities don’t understand why lifting a lid to put laundry in the hamper – or putting that cordless drill back in the special case – is so
hard. I’ll admit it’s not easy, especially when it doesn’t come naturally to you. However, a little persistence and changing of a few habits will allow anyone to be more productive and efficient. Remember, you will need to tweak organizing systems to work for you. Hey, once your possessions are put into their “homes” – even if none of them look like the “home” your typeA friend would have picked – you can find the things you need, when you need them. You don’t need to be fussy, take the fuss out of the steps, while singing “I did it my way” and get organized!
RHC Realty 601 Baker Street, Nelson
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Tad Lake . . . 354-2979 Brady Lake . . 354-8404
www.kootenayproperties.com NEWNG LISTI
NEWNG LISTI
EVERY ADVANTAGE $450,000
Must be seen to appreciate this terrific, well maintained home situated only 10 minutes from Nelson. .47 acres of park like setting this 3 bed, 2.5 bath home offers finished basement, in floor heated workshop, 2 car garage, large shed, private covered deck and landscaped yard.
NEWNG LISTI
NEWNG LISTI
PRIVATE COUNTRY HOME $599,950
Take ownership of this small estate hidden on 1.9 acres just 12 minutes to Nelson. This custom home was built with craftsmanship and quality in mind offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, office, open living space, 3 car garage and more.
Excellent investment for expanding business on 2.5 acres. Opportunity to rent for multi-tenants or operate as your own company. Includes separate workshop area, garage bays, covered parking, spacious administrative office with ample parking.
LET’S TALK VALUE $250,000
Location location. This small but practical home boasts a great location close to school, parks and grocery stores. Perfect for a family trying to break into the market. Features include 2 beds, reno’d kitchen, hardwood floors, fireplace, and large yard.
NEWNG LISTI
NEWNG LISTI
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT $477,000
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1-877-729-LAKE (5253)
MODERN ELEGANCE $649,000
This newly built contemporary home boast impeccable design. Open floor plan, 3 beds, 3 baths, in floor heating, soaker tub, 2 fireplaces, 9 foot ceilings, stamped concrete in basement, 4 car tandem garage to name a few. Mountain and lake views for your deck.
PRIVATE HIDEWAY $550,000
Value has never been more obvious. This beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home sits on 4.3 acres with panoramic river and valley views. Custom designed open floor plan home offers 3800 sq ft, 2 car garage, sundeck, games, workout rooms and more.
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