Purchasing an asbestos-contaminated home is like to purchasing a haunted house. At first glance, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to detect if a home has asbestos. Asbestos, like natural gas, is odorless and undetectable to the human eye. The best way to determine whether or not a home has asbestos is to do a fast examination and then engage an expert to test any problematic areas. So, how do you know if there is asbestos in a room?
Is Asbestos really dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of six natural minerals (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite) that are commonly used in building materials such as flooring tiles, insulation, and pipes.
Prohibition in asbestos use started in the 1970s, severely restricting manufacturers’ ability to utilize it. Asbestos is still present in many consumer products today, although it must account for less than 1% of the whole product.
Many groups advocated for more asbestos regulations in 2019. As a result of the final ruling, numerous asbestos-containing products have been banned, including:
Wrapping the pipeline
Roof coatings, adhesives, and sealants
Products made of cement
Roofing felt made of millboard
Other construction materials
Because asbestos is a highly dangerous substance, it is regulated by both the EPA and OSHA. Long-term exposure to and inhalation of asbestos can cause lung and stomach cancers.
It’s likely that you’ve come into contact with low levels of asbestos at some point in your life. However, when asbestos-containing materials are destroyed, such as during a remodel or construction, homeowners are exposed to possible health risks.
Signs your home might have Asbestos
> Your house was constructed before to the early 1980s.> Vermiculite insulation can be found in your home.
> Between 1952 and 1982, your home had vinyl flooring or millboard installed.
> Your home’s roof is made of corrugated metal.
> Cement sheets are used to build walls and other portions of the house.
> An older cement water tank can be found in your property (older cement products could contain asbestos)
Is it safe to do Asbestos test by myself?
It is debatable. While the government strongly advises hiring a professional to test for asbestos, some states do allow homeowners to conduct their own tests. Kits are available from online merchants. Check with your local health authorities to see if an asbestos specialist is required in your area.
What to do if your house has Asbestos
The following measures you take after discovering asbestos in your home depend on the type of asbestos, where it’s located, and whether or not it’s friable. Asbestos is friable, which means it can easily break apart, allowing it to become airborne (and dangerous). Asbestos is present in several materials, however it is not flammable. These materials may still be safe if they are in good shape.
Depending on the condition of the asbestos, the specialist may choose to encapsulate the asbestos-containing sections or remove it entirely. The asbestos cleanup should be handled by an expert. If the professional determines that asbestos must be removed, you must leave the house until they conduct an air test to assure that all residual has been removed.
Watson Site Services can safely remove Asbestos in your home. For more information, please click here.
