Asbestos and Renovations
The renovation of an older home or building is almost always accompanied by the risk of asbestos exposure. Homes built previous to the late 1970s are likely to contain asbestos containing materials that were used during the construction process.
If you plan to begin renovations on an older home or building, be sure to hire a qualified inspector to inspect your building for asbestos beforehand.
Asbestos Common in Older Building Materials
Those who are involved in the renovation of an old home should take the risk of asbestos exposure seriously. Asbestos containing materials were commonly used in the construction of houses until the late 1970s. Some examples of these materials are:
- Furnace duct insulation
- Deck under sheeting
- Roof and wall insulation
- Pipe insulation
- Cement
- Wood pulp
- Paint
- Vinyl flooring or floor tiles
- Joint compounds used to seal wallboards
- Water heater blankets
- Textured paints in ceilings and walls
- Walls behind stoves heaters & fireplaces
Awareness of Asbestos Key to Safety
Most asbestos containing products don’t pose a health risk so long as they are in good condition and undisturbed. On the other hand, if these products are frayed, crumbling or worn, they are likely releasing toxic asbestos fibers into the air.
These airborne fibers are what makes asbestos dangerous. When the fibers are inhaled they can cause permanent and deadly damage.
Workers performing renovations should be made aware of the presence of asbestos. If they are not, there is a good chance that asbestos containing materials may be inadvertently damaged or disturbed.
Dangers of Asbestos Renovations
The health risks of asbestos exposure should not be taken lightly. Asbestos is the cause of diseases such as:
- Asbestosis: A chronic, nonmalignant, progressive, irreversible lung disease that reduces lung capacity.
- Lung cancer: The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that occurs in the lungs.
- Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that affects the chest or abdominal cavity lining. (Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this disease)
When Asbestos is Discovered
If asbestos containing materials are discovered during the renovation process, be sure to have a qualified professional determine if removal is necessary. If the materials are in good condition and likely to remain so, then they may not need to be removed. If the materials are determined to be a hazard, trained and qualified workers should be hired to remove or seal the asbestos.
For more information or to speak with a legal professional regarding asbestos exposure, please contact Mesothelioma Centers today.
