Asbestos is a dangerous substance that has been heavily regulated due to its dangerous and toxic threat to human health. It was once a standard component in manufacturing and construction, but fortunately, federal laws have placed limitations on how and where it can be used in an effort to reduce exposure to the mineral. So what would you do if you found out that asbestos – the single cause of malignant mesothelioma — was lurking in your very own home?
The truth is millions of homes are still ridden with asbestos unbeknownst to many homeowners. In fact, most homes built prior to the late 1980s probably contain some type of asbestos, although the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that it may not be anything to worry about. The EPA says that asbestos fibers that are intact and not loose should not be a threat to your health, so long as you leave them undisturbed.
Common Sources of Asbestos in the Home
There are many places you may find asbestos hiding out in your home. The most common source is your attic and wall insulation, which may be made of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. Other places you may find asbestos in your home include in hot water pipes, roofing materials, patching compounds, and in the floors and walls surrounding woodburning stoves.
When to be Concerned about Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos in your home is of utmost concern when it begins to break away from its original structure. Because the mineral is so fine, it can easily be circulated into the household air supply, where family members can inhale the microscopic fibers. Once a person has been exposed to asbestos, he or she runs the risk of eventually developing asbestosis, lung cancer or malignant mesothelioma cancer.
You should always treat asbestos-containing products with care – even if the asbestos fibers are undisturbed or if you are unsure whether asbestos is present. To be safe, avoid disturbing products that may contain asbestos unless you absolutely must.
If you notice asbestos fibers circulating into the air, evacuate your property immediately and call a professional. Asbestos fibers are most often released when homes undergo renovations or construction changes. In those cases, hire a professional asbestos abatement company to inspect your home for the presence of asbestos and also remove the mineral from the property in a safe manner that will not present a hazard to your health. All repairs to asbestos-containing materials, whether large or small, should be performed by a professional.
