During the 1970s, a lot of scary information about asbestos came to light. This material has several characteristics that made it a popular choice for manufacturers during the first half of the 1900s. These qualities included its fitness as a fire retardant, its ability to absorb heat, its resistance to corrosion, and its high tensile strength. With so much in its favor, asbestos was used in thousands of different products, many of which can still be found in older homes, workplaces, stores, and even churches.
Asbestos Exposure
Unfortunately, asbestos contamination usually takes several years before symptoms begin to show. This means that families may be affected at home without knowing that they have been affected. Workers in factories that once produced asbestos may find out years later that their health has been comprised. The risks associated with asbestos poisoning include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Over time, the scarring that builds up in the lung tissue can cause death.
Should You Test Your Home for Asbestos?
It is best to leave asbestos alone, but you may not recognize whether or not the items in your home have the material unless it is labeled. If you plan to remodel an older home or if your home is beginning to show damage like crumbling drywall, then you should have a professional come to inspect your home. If asbestos is found, you will need to decide whether to have the asbestos removed or to leave it alone.
Remove It or Leave It?
As dangerous as it is, why would you leave asbestos in your home? Sometimes, just taking a sample of the material can disturb the fibers and send them throughout your home. If the materials are not damaged, then it may be safer to leave them alone. Removal of asbestos can also send invisible fibers into the air. For this reason, you should trust a professional to conduct the testing and for any removal.
There are a few factors that can help you to decide whether or not to have asbestos disturbed:
- Are the contaminated materials likely to be disturbed or already deteriorating?
- Is the asbestos intact and in an out of the way place?
- Can you get a professional to seal or cover the asbestos?
Discuss your options with the professional who inspects your home to determine which would be most appropriate for your situation.
A Few Things to Remember
- If you suspect that asbestos is present, don’t touch the material.
- Take precautions to avoid disturbing any materials that may have asbestos.
- Hire a certified professional to do testing and removal.
- Do not disturb any materials that may contain asbestos.
- Have any materials with asbestos sealed if they won’t be removed.
Are you considering doing any home remodeling? Have you been suspicious about deteriorating insulation? If you even suspect the presence of asbestos, contact AQHI Inc for answers.
