Asbestos used to be a common construction material, until its complete ban in 1999. Back then, no one knew the risks, until conclusive studies became available. But, the problem with asbestos didn’t end with the ban. Until now, many people around the country still suffer from asbestos-related health conditions.
Do you know if your property has asbestos? If you want to protect your family, there are ways to find out. And when you’re sure there’s a possibility of the presence of asbestos is in your home, you can contact a professional that will conduct asbestos sampling.
Why is asbestos hazardous?
Anyone is at risk of asbestos exposure at work, in the community, and especially at home. Inhaling asbestos fibres will not cause problems instantly, but after some time there will be serious health problems such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cancer
- Stroke
That’s why it’s important to find out if your home improvement project contains asbestos. Preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of disturbance and exposure.
What are the signs that there’s possibly asbestos in your home?
These are some of the signs you need to look for if you’re suspecting that your house may contain asbestos.
- Your house is old. Most homes built in the 1970s and 1980s have a high chance of containing asbestos. During these decades, asbestos was everywhere, from floor tiles to insulation, walls, and cement. If these areas remain intact, there’s no need to worry. But over time, wear and tear or renovations will damage the area and release asbestos fibres into the air.
- Vinyl sheets or floors. Vinyl floor tiles containing paper or millboards have a high chance of containing asbestos.
- Cement water tank. Older homes with water tanks using cement could also contain this dangerous material. If there’s one in your property, you can have it checked and tested.
- Corrugated roof. Roof shingles made with cement were also popular back in the 1970s.
Perhaps the most significant danger of asbestos is that the health risks don’t manifest until years later. This is why most people live in their homes not knowing there’s a problem lurking beneath the walls and floors.
What to do if your house has asbestos
When you’re in doubt, stop second-guessing yourself and contact a professional. They can verify and take samples for you. They will also check the condition and make recommendations. Removing asbestos is the permanent solution, but it needs to be carefully and properly conducted. Never expose yourself by attempting a DIY removal.
If the asbestos isn’t in danger of crumbling and still tightly bound, the removal company may recommend leaving it as is. When located in areas of a house with limited wear and tear as well as exposure to damage, adding a protective layer may be a more ideal solution.
In conclusion, you don’t need to live in fear of asbestos. Yes, it’s a threat to you and your family’s health, but these risks are preventable. Pay close attention to tell-tale signs, especially if your house is old. Then, contact a professional removal company right away for expert help and advice.
