Asbestos is an industrial material that was used in hundreds of construction and consumer products found in homes up to 1970’s. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to the development of several asbestos cancers and diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Disturbance of asbestos-containing products can occur within the house and can cause the fibers to become airborne, posing severe health risks. This toxic material is found in virtually any area of a residence and certain precautions should be taken when dealing with it in the home. Materials around the home in which asbestos is commonly found include:
- Attic materials
- Ceiling materials (tiles and ceiling texture)
- Tiling
- Flooring
- Wall materials (siding)
- Paint materials
- Lining for heating and piping
- Insulation materials
Ensuring a safe environment from asbestos can have long-lasting benefits to all residents who occupy the home. Furthermore, preventing health risks doesn’t have to be a challenging task. Utilizing professional help, if necessary, can alleviate much of the inconveniences associated with asbestos.
Taking Precautionary Steps
Avoiding asbestos exposure is not a difficult task if the proper precautionary steps are taken. A homeowner should do the following things to protect against asbestos in the home:
- Identify where it is
- Determine if it is dangerous
- Have it removed or leave it alone
To effectively identify where asbestos may be in the home, it is often necessary to hire an asbestos company to test for the presence of the material. An abatement company is licensed and trained to properly handle the material. These professionals are found through searches on the Internet or through local business directories.
In the event that asbestos-containing materials are found, it should be noted that it may not always be dangerous. These products and materials only become dangerous if the asbestos fibers are exposed and become airborne. An asbestos abatement company can best determine the hazard that these materials actually pose.
If they are deemed dangerous, they should be properly disposed. If these asbestos-containing materials are not found dangerous, nothing should be done. Further disturbing these materials may make a safe product dangerous.
By Mark Hall
About the Author: Mark Hall is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. Between his interests in environmental health and his writing experience, Mark is committed to communicating relevant news and information regarding the dangers of asbestos exposure and breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatments.