Asbestos was once frequently used in a wide variety of construction products because of its high tensile strength and fire-resistant properties. From boiler and pipe insulation to bricks and concrete, asbestos was everywhere and it wasn’t until 1989 that the EPA announced an initiative to phase out the use of asbestos in the U.S. completely.

The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that pollutants can be two to five times more concentrated indoors than outdoors. Since we spend most of our time indoors, it is important to have high-quality indoor air.

At home, leaky pipes are a nuisance. They decrease water pressure, cause property damage, and can foster the perfect conditions for mold growth. As a property or facilities manager, leaky pipes aren't just an annoyance—they could become the primary source of health and safety issues.

Employee-based workplace safety committees may not be perceived as the “coolest” employee groups in a workplace, but their duties are worth respecting. With a workplace safety committee that includes employees, you as a manager can encourage your staff to be active participants in their personal safety and health at work. They can also become a valuable asset in the development and implementation of an effective health and safety program.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that was often used in building materials between the 1930s and 1970s. While asbestos was favored due to its durability and resistance to fire, the substance was eventually restricted due to its toxicity and the threat it poses to human health.

Maintaining a healthy and comfortable office environment is crucial to employee health, comfort, and performance. Ensuring that indoor air quality (IAQ) is optimal is a key ingredient in that process.

Exposure to mold spores is virtually unavoidable as mold grows outdoors but can find its way into buildings and grow there as well. In buildings with poor ventilation, high humidity, and/or water intrusion issues, mold can become problematic, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions or allergies.

Many industries use hazardous materials in their daily operations. Chemicals of all sorts may be included in common raw materials where their presence is not obvious. Welding operations can produce a wide range of chemical exposures depending upon the type of welding or metal cutting being performed.

Do your employees raise their voices to be heard even when they're only standing three feet away from each other? If so, it's likely the ambient noise levels are over 90 decibels. Noise-induced hearing loss is always permanent, which is why it’s so important to protect employees from hearing loss.

Until the 1970s asbestos was a household name. Predominantly used in building materials during a time where oversight of harmful chemicals was relatively nonexistent, it wasn’t until 1989 that the EPA announced an initiative to phase out the use of asbestos in the U.S. completely. Today, asbestos is far less commonly used. But because many buildings that are still standing were constructed decades ago, asbestos is hardly a thing of the past.