Home Asbestos Exposure: A Modern Menace or Just a Threat of the Past
by Guest on Jul 16, 2015
Most people believe that asbestos is a thing of the past, but that’s not true. It’s used in many consumer products, from brake pads to reinforced concrete to everyday consumer items. Here’s what it means to you and what you can do about it.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that separates into strong, thin, fibers that are not visible to the naked eye. It became a commonly-used building material in the mid-1970s due to its strength, fire resistance and corrosion resistance. It’s also an excellent insulator.
It’s usually added to other materials to add strength to the base material, like concrete. It may be added to asphalt, vinyl materials in roof shingles, piping, siding, wallboard, flooring tiles, and joint compounds. It may also be used in adhesives.
It can be used as fireproofing material, applied directly to steel beams and columns during the construction phase.
The material is so common that almost everyone in the U.S. has been exposed to it at some point.
When Does It Become A Problem?
Asbestos is not inherently dangerous, contrary to commonly-held opinions. It becomes dangerous when the tiny fibers become airborne, however. If the asbestos is in good condition and left undisturbed, it poses no risk to humans.
Once airborne, fibers can become lodged in the lungs for a long time and eventually can cause cancer through scaring and chronic low-grade inflammation.
This type of cancer affects the mesothelium - a thin tissue layer that lines the cavities and surrounds internal organs - and is appropriately named “mesothelioma.”
Working Around Asbestos
If at all possible, you should not work around asbestos unless you’ve been trained to do so and you have the proper safety gear. Likewise, you should not permit contractors to work in your home without proper asbestos training.
For example, if you are having a new HVAC unit installed, you should work with a professional that has installed many systems and has experience working around potentially hazardous materials.
Should You Remove It?
Removing asbestos should be a last resort. Most contractors and professionals in the construction and home repair industry will advise you to simply seal it up with a non-permeable layer and protect it from becoming airborne.
How To Remove It When Necessary
While keeping it in place is usually your best option, when it does have to be removed, you should use a special team of specialists for the job. This is most definitely not a DIY project, and there are many local and state regulations that control how asbestos can be removed and how it must be disposed of.
Since the fibers can become airborne and travel on the wind, improper removal could also endanger the lives of others, like neighbors. The National Emission Standards For Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) do not apply to privately owned homes and apartments with four or fewer units in them.
However, a licensed contractor should still do the job. Choose someone with experience and that knows all of the risks and safety procedures.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
92327 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
73155 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71262 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51714 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30171 Views
Latest Articles
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginner's Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Global Real Estate Trends: What’s Driving Property Investments This Year?
For investors hoping to optimise returns in the ever-changing world of real estate, knowing current trends is not merely a matter of staying...
on Dec 19, 2024
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginner's Guide
on Dec 19, 2024
Real Estate / Finance
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
Global Real Estate Trends: What’s Driving Property Investments This Year?
on Dec 19, 2024
Real Estate / Finance
For investors hoping to optimise returns in the ever-changing world of real estate, knowing current trends is not merely a matter of staying...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Five Tips to Reduce Cold Winter Drafts
When the cold days of winter arrive, you want to make sure you are heating your home as efficiently as possible. However, when you feel cold winter...
What is so Interesting about Smart Garage Door Openers?
When you invest in smart garage door openers, you definitely want them to outsmart older products. And this includes having an opener that will be...
3 Humid Subtropical Household Pests and How to Spot Them
While much of the north and midwest is still buried in snow and winter storms, the southern states are moving into spring and summer. Warm...
Taking Care of Brussel Sprouts
Growing Brussels sprouts will be much easier if you take care of the plants properly. With proper tending and maintenance, the sprouts will grow...
Start Getting Your Home Ready for Spring with These Four Tips
Winter is finally starting to wind down. For many of us, Winter meant cold temperatures, rough weather, and a lot of time spent inside. When Spring...