Asbestos is a type of mineral that has been used for many years in construction and home repair. It has been found to be safe for use, but it was not until recently that serious problems with its use were discovered. Unfortunately, Asbestos is not easily detected as it is soft, flexible, and pliable, and therefore easily becomes airborne and inhaled. This then causes many health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Thus, it is imperative that all remodeling projects involving asbestos must be properly inspected by trained professionals to ensure compliance with all building regulations and safety protocols.
There are many different types of Asbestos materials that can be used when Remodeling your Home or Business. Most commonly, the Asbestos materials are located inside the walls, ceilings, floors, and doors. However, Asbestos is also often found in products such as ceiling tiles, paints, floor tiles, insulation, pipe fittings, and the like. In addition, this material can be found in furnaces, fireplaces, and drywall. As a result, there is an ongoing risk of Asbestos exposure when remodeling a home or building.
In order to protect yourself and your family from this harmful material, it is imperative that any person performing remodeling or removal of Asbestos-containing material be properly trained. In fact, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) even dictate that all contractors and subcontractors must be training on the proper removal of Asbestos to keep workers from becoming ill due to Asbestos exposure. However, in reality most Asbestos contractors and subcontractors are not properly trained in Asbestos related removal. Often times they simply cut the Asbestos down to size and start work, not realizing that they have actually exposed their workers to Asbestos. Thus, the Asbestos can become airborne during the cutting of the materials, which can then cause Asbestos exposure among the people who are working nearby.
When remodeling a home, it is important to understand how and where to remove Asbestos-containing materials from the home. This is especially true when tearing down any Asbestos-laden materials, such as ceiling tiles, wallboard, or flooring. The Asbestos fibers will undoubtedly be released into the air while the Asbestos-laden materials are being removed. Removing all Asbestos materials from the home prior to tearing down or remodeling will help to minimize the potential for Asbestos exposure.
Roofs: Removing or replacing a roof is not an easy task. There are many Asbestos materials that cling to the surface of the roof and can be very hard to remove. Therefore, when a new roof is being installed, it is extremely important to make sure all loose Asbestos materials are properly removed and properly cleaned before the roof is installed. It is also important to make sure that any previous roofs that have been removed are properly cleaned. If asbestos was used in the removal or replacement of a roof, it is likely that a new roof will contain Asbestos. Therefore, when installing a new roof, it is very important to make sure the Asbestos-laden materials are removed and properly cleaned.
Indoors: Asbestos is often found in areas that contain moisture, such as the bathroom, basement, or kitchen. When these areas are located in the home, they may release dangerous Asbestos particles into the air that can be inhaled by the occupants of the home. As a result, it is very important to be very careful when taking baths or showering. A wet cloth will do more harm than good, if it even gets into the mouth. It is best to use the services of a professional to remove Asbestos materials from bathrooms and other interior areas.
Carcinogens: Carcinogens pose a significant threat to adults. They are often found in the carpeting, floor covering, and furniture, such as couches. When inhaled, these Asbestos particles can cause severe lung cancer. It is very important to remove Asbestos-containing materials from your home, in order to avoid this deadly disease. However, if you cannot afford an expensive air purifier, then consider placing a sheet over the area of Asbestos contamination, in order to protect yourself.
Molds: Molds are another major Asbestos exposure problem. It is not uncommon for Asbestos-containing materials to be found in the bathroom or in areas of the house where water or moisture collects. If you believe you have an Asbestos related mold issue in your home, you should contact a professional mold inspector. They will remove the mold issue, as well as inspect for other potential health problems.
