Are You At Risk From Asbestos Exposure?
(A Guest Blog on the important topic of asbestos exposure)
Everyone likes to think of their house as a safe haven for their family. However, the exact opposite may be true for residents of older homes – especially homes that were built before the 1980s.
Many homes built in the first three quarters of the 20th century contain asbestos. During that period, many companies added asbestos to their home construction products, because the inexpensive, durable fibers were good insulators. Some of the materials that were often produced with asbestos include:
- Fiberboard/wallboard
- Shingles
- Tiles
- Adhesives
- Spray-on wall coatings
- Insulation
Aging Asbestos
Unfortunately, many of these materials are still present in private residences, providing a risk of asbestos exposure. Most of the products contain non-friable asbestos (asbestos that is fully contained within the product and not considered a health risk), but as the materials age and deteriorate, they may become an asbestos exposure threat.
Even if they are still in excellent condition, there may still be an asbestos exposure risk if they are improperly removed or replaced. Homeowners may unintentionally cause this damage during home renovation projects. Sawing, cracking, hammering or any other damaging activities can release the fibers into the air, where residents can inhale them.
How to Keep Your Home Safe from Asbestos
Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to prevent against asbestos exposure in your home.
If you (or someone you care about) lives in a building that was constructed before the 1980s (after which asbestos products became regulated in the United States) you should contact an asbestos inspection company for a home evaluation. The company can thoroughly check the home for any materials that would pose an asbestos threat if disturbed.
Once asbestos-containing products are identified, then reach out to a different abatement company to address the asbestos threats. The licensed asbestos professionals can then remove or encapsulate any products that pose an asbestos threat to the home’s residents.
Tip: Don’t perform any renovations on areas of your house where asbestos is present. An asbestos contractor should always be hired to address asbestos-containing materials in the area before general renovations are performed. This helps prevent any accidental asbestos exposure within the home. This in turn could possibly prevent an asbestos related cancer.
About the Author: Faith Franz researches and writes about health-related issues for The Mesothelioma Center. One of her focuses is living with cancer.
Photo credit: asbestos.com
Eeek! My home was built in the 1920’s. Thanks for the heads up.
Glad to be of service!
Yes, hidden asbestos is still a problem – please spread the word, thanks!
Despite huge awareness campaigns and legal action over the last 20 odd years the dangers of asbestos still do not seem to be completely understood.
I suppose it’s a tough one, because asbestos was so ubiquitous. The best we can do is spread the word…..
Most of the literature out there talks about buildings built prior to 1980 as containing asbestos. However, a better date would be 1990. Asbestos was still used in floor tiles after 1980. Vermiculite insulation used in many attics across the country may be contaminated with tremolite asbestos. The mine producing that product did not close down and stop producing the product until 1990. When it comes to roofing materials, even today, can contain asbestos. It is important to remember asbestos is not banned in the United States. Building materials purchased in other countries such as China and Canada are allowed and can contain asbestos.
Great comment Angelo, thanks!
Angelo, you’re right! Each year companies import asbestos from Canada for the roofing and chlorine industries.
Canada just reopened an asbestos mine and asbestos still isn’t banned in the US. Spreading awareness is the best way to continue education!
-Ben
Ben, thanks for responding to Angelo’s comment.
It is indeed scary to think that Asbestos is still around today.
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