The construction industry used asbestos in building products for decades. The mineral is naturally durable, flexible and resistant to heat and fire. But it also poses health risks. Laws and regulations have reduced new uses of asbestos, but many old buildings still contain it.
Legacy asbestos in older homes can deteriorate over time. When that happens, the fibers can threaten those who live there. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can result in mesothelioma and other cancers.
If your house is contaminated with asbestos, it’s best to be safe and call the experts. A cost-cutting DIY isn’t worth risking cancer.
Does My House Have Asbestos?
There’s a good chance that houses built before the 1980s contain asbestos. Common asbestos construction products include insulation, tiling, roofing, steam pipes, boilers and more. But unless you know exactly what products were used, you can’t spot asbestos with the naked eye. The only way to know for sure if part of your home contains asbestos is to hire a professional to test it.
If your house might contain asbestos, hold off on any renovations or DIY projects until a professional has tested any relevant areas. Even smaller actions like drilling holes or sanding surfaces could release asbestos particles in the air.
What if My House Has Asbestos?
If the asbestos product is undamaged, it poses less of a threat. If it is damaged and releasing asbestos fibers, it will need to be dealt with. An abatement professional can determine the safest route for your situation. It could be encapsulating the asbestos materials to contain them or removing them entirely.
If you already have loose asbestos in your home, leave the area alone until a professional can clean it. Do not attempt to clean it yourself. Many standard cleaning methods will only further circulate asbestos particles.
Look up licensed asbestos abatement companies in your area to get started.
Sources
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Who is at Risk of Exposure to Asbestos?
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Asbestos In The Home.
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Tara Strand specializes in writing content about mesothelioma and asbestos. She focuses on topics like mesothelioma awareness, research, treatment, asbestos trust funds and other advocacy efforts.
