After reading the title of this blog perhaps you’re thinking, we already know that asbestos is dangerous. However, many may not be aware of why asbestos is so hazardous. Being conscious of this will be particularly important for anyone considering fixing up an old home, so, if this is something you are planning to do, you may find the following brief guide helpful.
If you are about to tackle the renovation of an older home, its important that you know what you are taking on and what kinds of building materials you may encounter. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in house construction up until the 1970s. There are a few different kinds of asbestos fibers and they were used to add strength, provide fire resistance and heat insulation. So, what dangers are associated with asbestos?
Breathing in asbestos fibers is very dangerous and over time, being exposed to these fibers has resulted in some very serious health problems such as Mesothelioma, a form of cancer affecting the abdominal cavity and chest lining and asbestosis which is scarring of the lungs with fibrous tissue.
When renovating an older home, how might someone be exposed to asbestos? If asbestos is present in the home the handling of it, sanding, scraping or disturbing it in some way can release asbestos fibers into the air, increasing the risk of inhaling them. These fibers tend to stay in the lungs for a long time so it’s clear we wouldn’t want to be exposed to it. If you are uncertain whether or not asbestos will be found in your home, why not schedule a home inspection? If it is found, it is important not to try to remove it yourself but hire someone qualified to do the job.
