How to Handle Asbestos in the Home
How to Handle Asbestos in the Home
Article by Joseph Devine
Asbestos was once a common material in homes across the US; it was used to make insulation, cement, fabrics, and even shoes. Unfortunately, this mineral has also been linked to deadly illnesses, including lung cancer, the chronic disease asbestosis, and the cancer mesothelioma. In the late 1980′s, the federal government finally responded to this health risk by imposing bans on many common uses of asbestos.
Unfortunately, this toxic material remains a health threat even today. Many buildings and machinery constructed before the 1970′s may contain components made with asbestos. If your home was built or repaired prior to this year, it is important to be aware of this potential hazard and to know how to respond to it.
Steps to Take
Asbestos can be found in many places in older homes, including shingles, siding, cement, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and textured paints. Unfortunately, there is no way for a layman to determine whether or not any of these materials contain the toxin. If you live in an older home, it is important to check its history with the seller for clues about its safety.
If you have any doubts about the safety of anything in your home, you have several options. If the material in question is in good repair, you may want to simply leave it alone. Asbestos does not become dangerous until it is broken or begins to chip, creating flakes that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.
If you are not comfortable with this option, you can contact a professional to take a sample and analyze it to see if it is safe. If it is not, you may want to have it removed from your home. Again, it is best to let a professional handle this step. Asbestos must be removed and disposed of very carefully, in accordance with professional and legal protocols.
For more information about asbestos and its risks, contact the Mesothelioma Resource Center.
About the Author
Joseph Devine
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