**Santa Fe Stucco: Is Earth Building Inflaming Biomes?**
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine the sun-baked adobe walls of a Northern New Mexico home, a picture of rustic charm. But what if that very charm held a hidden danger, a silent threat lurking within the earthen plaster? The traditional Santa Fe stucco, beloved for its texture and connection to the land, might be inadvertently releasing asbestos fibers into the air we breathe. This isn’t about fear-mongering; it’s about understanding the potential risks and taking informed action to protect our communities, especially in places like Taos and Española where earth building is deeply ingrained.
The allure of Santa Fe stucco lies in its natural composition. It’s a blend of earth, straw, and water, often sourced locally. This “local sourcing,” however, is where the problem can begin. Certain soil types in New Mexico contain naturally occurring asbestos (NOA). While undisturbed, NOA poses little risk. But when that soil is excavated, mixed, and applied as stucco, the process can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.
These fibers, when inhaled, can lead to serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The risk is particularly acute for those involved in the stucco application process and for residents living in homes with deteriorating stucco. Children are especially vulnerable.
So, how do you know if your Santa Fe stucco is a potential hazard? Unfortunately, visual identification is nearly impossible. Asbestos fibers are microscopic. However, there are clues. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos-containing stucco, as regulations were less stringent then. Also, stucco that is visibly crumbling, cracking, or deteriorating poses a higher risk of fiber release.
The only definitive way to determine if your stucco contains asbestos is through laboratory testing. Hire a qualified asbestos inspector to take samples of your stucco. They will send the samples to a certified lab for analysis. This typically costs between $50 and $100 per sample. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
If testing confirms the presence of asbestos, don’t panic. The key is proper remediation. Do not attempt to remove asbestos-containing stucco yourself. This is a job for trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals. Improper removal can release a large number of fibers into the air, creating a significant health hazard.
Asbestos abatement involves carefully wetting the stucco to minimize fiber release, removing it in sections, and properly disposing of the waste in sealed containers at a designated landfill. The area is then thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining fibers. This process can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $25 per square foot, but it’s a necessary investment in your health and the health of your community.
What about new construction or repairs? The best approach is prevention. Avoid using soil from areas known to contain NOA. The New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources has geological maps that can help identify potential asbestos-bearing formations. However, these maps are not definitive, and soil testing is always recommended.
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Santa Fe stucco that don’t carry the risk of asbestos exposure. These include:
- Lime plaster: Made from limestone, lime plaster is a breathable and durable material that is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It’s a great option for both interior and exterior walls.
- Clay plaster: Similar to traditional stucco but made with carefully sourced clay that is known to be asbestos-free. Clay plaster is also a good choice for thermal mass, helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
- American Clay: A brand of natural earth plasters made from a blend of clay, sand, and other natural materials. American Clay plasters are available in a variety of colors and textures and are a sustainable and healthy alternative to conventional stucco.
When choosing an alternative, consider the specific climate conditions in your area. Taos, for example, experiences harsh winters and intense sun, so the material needs to be durable and weather-resistant. Española, with its lower elevation, may require a different approach.
One common mistake developers make is failing to properly research the soil source. They assume that because the soil is “local,” it’s safe. This can have devastating consequences. Always test the soil before using it in any building project.
Another pitfall is cutting corners on asbestos abatement. Some contractors may try to save money by using improper removal techniques or by failing to properly dispose of the waste. This puts everyone at risk. Always hire a certified and reputable asbestos abatement contractor. Check their credentials and references carefully.
The challenge in Northern New Mexico is balancing the desire to preserve traditional building methods with the need to protect public health. We can honor our heritage while embracing safer, more sustainable building practices. This requires education, awareness, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of our land and our communities.
By understanding the potential risks of asbestos in Santa Fe stucco, taking proactive steps to identify and remediate hazards, and embracing eco-friendly alternatives, we can ensure that our homes are not only beautiful but also safe and healthy for generations to come. Let’s work together to create a future where the charm of Northern New Mexico doesn’t come at the expense of our well-being.