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Asbestos

If you like home renovations, you’re no stranger to knocking your walls down, drilling, and even fixing tiles. However, while you may enjoy making your house beautiful – or those of others if you’re a professional renovator, you may be exposing yourself to asbestos. Asbestos is made of naturally occurring fibrous silicate used construction products.

So you have material mixed with asbestos throughout your house. When these products sustain damage, microscopic fibrils enter the atmosphere. These thin fibers are toxic to inhale, and long-term exposure can lead to cancer. Hence, while renovating, you need to be mindful of a few things in your house. Here’s how you can ensure you work around asbestos and avoid exposure:

Don’t touch asbestos

Suppose you feel like you can see traces of asbestos, such as a damaged, brittle insulation material in the drywall. Even if you think you can handle it, you should avoid going anywhere near. Look up asbestos professionals online who can help you get rid of these products. A professional can also help you confirm if you have asbestos in other components of your house.

Get yourself tested

You may be inhaling asbestos unknowingly, especially if you’re living in a seemingly run-down house constructed before the 1980s. In that case, you need to reach out to your primary care provider and get yourself tested. A doctor can guide you better on mesothelioma symptoms and how risky it is for you. Also, hire a professional to get rid of all asbestos products from your current home or move into a new living space. Don’t prolong exposure even if you have minimal asbestos quantities in your home.

Be mindful of the way you dispose of asbestos

You can’t get rid of asbestos the traditional way. Your waste disposal system should only get rid of regular wastes such as those from your everyday use. If you mix stable waste and asbestos products, you expose a larger population to toxic fibers. A professional asbestos removal company can guide you on getting rid of these products or get rid of them for you. Your dumpster and recycling bin should only contain garbage that will not hurt anyone if they are exposed to it.

Don’t clean asbestos products

You may think that if you sweep asbestos off, you can get rid of it. That’s not the case. Your cleaning products can get tangled with asbestos fibers. As a result, when you clean other spaces of your house, you end up spreading more of these airborne fibers exposing yourself to greater risk. It would help to avoid damaging products that contain asbestos while regular cleaning activities. Abrasion can cause fibrils to break off and spread in the air.

Curb your curiosity

You may feel like getting your science on if you have asbestos in your house. However, never collect and test samples unless you are a trained professional. You can mishandle the sample and the apparatus and may cause more damage than good.

Let professionals clean your space

Only professionals can repair asbestos-ridden spaces. They can also determine if there is too much asbestos, they will either remove it or conceal it. However, avoid doing it yourself. If you feel demolition is the only solution, get the appropriate approval from your government and then work on your property. You should always hire professionals with substantial experience to make quick work of the process.

How can asbestos spread?

You can spread asbestos when you’re not careful while renovating and don’t know how many products contain asbestos. Companies can use them in construction materials. It could be in products such as insulation material. Here are some possible ways you can cause an exposure:

  • Renovation projections

Usually, when remodeling different parts of your house, especially the attic, you may cause an asbestos breakout. Asbestos is present in the insulation material packed behind the drywall. When you renovate them, the asbestos can crumble and fall on the ground. In addition, when you get rid of old insulation in your garbage, you increase the risk of exposure. So if you plan on renovating your space, you need to get a professional to verify if the walls are safe to drill. Never attempt a renovation before confirming your house is secure and you have approval.

  • Brake dust

Older brakes may contain asbestos. If you have a vintage car, you may notice that brake drums may have a layer of dust on them. This dust may contain asbestos. So when you go around cleaning your brake drums by banging them and using an air compressor, it can release toxic fibers into the air. While you may find this method easier to give your brakes a quick clean, in the long run, this is dangerous. The best way to take care of your car is to take it to a professional who knows how to handle it while being mindful of such risks.

  • Drilling into asbestos

If you want to hang paintings in your home, always check the walls first. You want to know what material is in the insulation. If you drill into asbestos, you risk fibers becoming airborne, which is dangerous since prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing health problems. Debris on the floor can also spread around your house when you sweep them.

  • Removing tiles

Tiles, especially vinyl, contain asbestos. If you have a generational house, it probably has vinyl tiles installed. When you start removing them with a scraper, you loosen the asbestos and spread the fibers. The best way to renovate flooring is to install the new one over the existing one. This method is far safer and also less time-consuming.

  • Removing popcorn ceiling

Popcorn ceiling takes tremendous work to remove. In most cases, you will need eye protection and a dust mask to scrape and sand while re-doing the roof. Popcorn ceiling contains microfibers of asbestos. So, if you attempt to remove/repair it, you’ll be spreading microfibers all over the place. Hiring a professional may cost you extra money, but it is the safest option. Don’t compromise your health for the sake of cheap renovations.

  • Insulation on pipes

Most pipes contain insulation that has asbestos. The insulation can deteriorate with them, especially around hot pipes. So if you try replacing old insulation by cutting into it, you risk releasing fibers. It is best if you don’t take matters into your own hands. If you know that the house you’re living in is old and the insulation needs repair, call professionals to get the job done.

Wrap up

Asbestos can spread via air if you’re not careful. The fibers expose you to the risk of developing mesothelioma – a highly lethal form of cancer. Have a professional survey your property to determine asbestos levels before renovating it. Don’t attempt any renovation projects that require you to scrape, drill, and cut without proper help, safety, and approval. Suppose you accidentally damage any product that may contain asbestos. In that case, you should move back and get professional help to ensure you can safely remove it. In addition, don’t attempt to clean the space and risk further spreading the asbestos. Last but not least, always ensure proper disposal of asbestos products to prevent cross-contamination.

In order to make sure that your home is asbestos-free, you shouldn’t by any means try to tackle this serious issue yourself. Doing so can create even more damage and is not advisable. If you’re suspecting that there might be asbestos present in your home and are thinking of dealing with this problem yourself, read this before you have any asbestos-containing materials in your home removed or repaired.

Why You Should Not DIY: Risk of Asbestos Removal

What is asbestos?

A naturally occurring mineral, asbestos is present in rocks and soil. It has long and strong fibers and it’s often praised due to its heat-resistant properties, which is why it’s been used in the past as a construction material for insulation of residential and commercial buildings. Identifiable only under a microscope, asbestos is different from any other material – it’s indestructible and does not decompose or decay. In addition to being heatproof, asbestos is also resistant to water and chemicals. Although most of the products nowadays do not contain this mineral, asbestos is still present in older homes and buildings.

Where is asbestos found?

A majority of houses built before the 1980s were constructed using materials that contain asbestos due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. That means that there were some common products that contained asbestos and may still be present in older homes. Floor and ceiling tiles as well as the adhesive used to install them might have contained asbestos, and sanding or scraping them during the removal may release fibers into the air which can be health-hazardous. Most products available on the market today do not contain asbestos, and if they do, they’re required to be labeled as such in order to prevent inhalation of this mineral.

What is the impact of asbestos on our health?

Asbestos exposure leads to an increased risk of developing a number of serious diseases such as lung cancer. People who work with asbestos and who are frequently exposed to high levels of this mineral are at higher risk of getting asbestosis, and in case the person inhaling asbestos is a smoker, the risk of developing lung cancer is even higher. Consequently, breathing high levels of asbestos fibers leads to a reduction in the respiratory function and as such, can often be fatal. A majority of people are exposed to asbestos in their everyday lives. However, exposure to smaller concentrations of asbestos will not cause you to develop these serious health problems.

Why You Should Not DIY: Risk of Asbestos Removal

What measures can you take to prevent health issues?

If you’re suspecting that there are asbestos-containing materials in your living space, consult with a professional first to make sure whether asbestos is actually present in your home. Since the biggest issue with asbestos is actually breathing it in, materials that may contain asbestos aren’t necessarily deemed to be health hazardous. If those materials are intact and aren’t damaged in any way, asbestos won’t pose any health risks to you and your household. Asbestos is only health hazardous when tiny fibers of this mineral become airborne, which could happen during renovations or remodeling. The best thing to do is to call in a professional who is trained to handle asbestos. They will take samples and repair or remove it, so you can rest assured that everything is done properly.

Why You Should Not DIY: Risk of Asbestos Removal

Why should you opt for professional asbestos removal?

While some homeowners are eager to DIY everything to save some money, asbestos removal is a risky DIY project. Whether the repair is minor or major, it still presents an issue that should only be tackled by an asbestos-trained professional. Improper handling of asbestos by an untrained professional is dangerous since it may create a health hazard where none existed before handling the asbestos-containing materials. While repair is a cheaper way to eliminate asbestos, it can make the removal process more difficult in later stages. Even though removal is more complex, if the asbestos damage is so big it’s irreparable, it may be the only option you have in order to remove any health risks asbestos may pose for your home.

Although not health hazardous when left intact, asbestos can lead to serious health issues when asbestos fibers are released from damaged materials. If after a professional asbestos inspection your home turns out to be contaminated with asbestos, hire a corrective-action contractor who will handle asbestos safely, eliminating the potential health risks that come with the presence of asbestos.

Your older home may be full of charm with its original woodwork, stunning light fixtures, leaded glass windows, and built-in seating in the dining area, but what your beloved home doesn’t have is space. For many modern homeowners, who love the look of classic early to mid-century 1900’s architecture, the obvious lack of storage space and the small bathroom or kitchens leaves many homeowners considering a big home improvement project. As with any remodeling project, it’s important to know what (or if any) dangers lurk behind the walls or beneath the floorboards. One of these dangers is asbestos.

If you live in a home that was constructed between the 1930’s and 1970’s, there’s a good chance that some of the materials contain asbestos and can be found throughout your home. While the mineral fiber, used for its heat and fire resistant properties, is no longer widely used in home construction materials, it can pose a threat to your health if it is in poor condition. Before you begin tearing out a wall or ripping up some flooring, make sure you’re not disturbing materials that contain it.

Asbestos fibres
Asbestos fibres

Where is Asbestos in Your Home?

Asbestos can be on your roof, in your attic, in your ceilings, on the walls, in the kitchen, and even in the basement. Before you panic, halt your home improvement project, and put the house on the market, it’s important to know where to look for asbestos and how to identify if it’s hazardous or not.

While asbestos exposure has been known to lead to deadly lung diseases like mesothelioma, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that asbestos is typically harmless if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. Here are some of the places where asbestos may be located in your home:

  • Blown-in attic insulation, such as vermiculite
  • Vinyl or linoleum floor tiles
  • Window caulking
  • Roofing material, such as tar paper
  • Heating and Cooling duct insulation
  • Siding materials
  • Acoustic ceiling tiles
  • Textured paints
  • Artificial embers in gas fireplaces
  • Door gaskets in wood stoves or furnaces

The best way to determine whether or not the materials are damaged is to look for tears, abrasions, or water damage. If you suspect damaged asbestos materials in your home, don’t disturb them or try to remove the material on your own.

The beginning of a renovation project
Renovation

Call Professionals Before You Start the Renovation Project

Even if you are certain that asbestos is located in your home, but is in good condition, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional asbestos inspector before making any changes to your home. Failure to seek professional advice can increase your chances of unintentional and potentially dangerous exposure to asbestos. Upon inspection, he or she will determine the condition of any asbestos in your home and will advise you if you can go ahead with the home improvement or hold the project until you have the asbestos removed.

Before you go ahead and try to make the most of your attic space or rip up the old linoleum in your kitchen, make sure you’re given the “go ahead” by a professional for the safety and health of yourself and your family.

 

About the author: Landon Biehl is an avid writer, and enjoys spreading awareness for health issues on a global level. He enjoys informing others on potential health hazards that are not always speculated. In his free time, Landon enjoys kayaking, running, and being outdoors. Landon also enjoys spending time at his local beach when time permits.

Feature image credit: Flickr