Green Home Remodeling projects should not reuse products or materials containing asbestos, lead paint, PCBs.
Asbestos is a human carcinogen unfortunately used in many building products, particularly from the 1940s until the 1970s. Here are further details on building materials – including asbestos, lead paint, and PCBs – that should not be considered for reuse in a Green Home Remodeling project due to the very serious health hazards they pose.
Lead. Widely used until 1978, lead paint is primarily a concern when it flakes or forms dust (such as that caused by scraping or dry sanding). Old plumbing fixtures (faucets) often contain lead solder and leaded brass, as well, which can leach into drinking water. Lead solder was frequently used to join copper pipes until it was banned in 1980.
Asbestos. This known carcinogen was used in many building products, particularly from the 1940s until the 1970s. Older materials that may contain asbestos include 9-inch square flooring tiles and older sheet vinyl flooring, “popcorn” textured ceilings, roofing and siding, ductwork insulation, window glazing compound, and vermiculite insulation. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/asbestos and click on Asbestos in Your Home.
Mercury, PCBs, and arsenic. Old thermostats, “silent” light switches as well as those with internal lights, and all fluorescent tubes and bulbs contain varying amounts of mercury. Pre-1978 fluorescent light fixture ballasts may have carcinogenic PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls). Pressure-treated woods often contain of a variety of toxic substances such as arsenic.
Courtesy of http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0704017.pdf
Other helpful links:
Asbestos
Asbestos and lung cancer
Mesothelioma attorney
Mesothelioma lawyer
Asbestos attorney
Non-asbestos remodeling waste may be useful to someone