Asbestos is linked to a serious disease, mesothelioma, which has no cure. When a person breathes in or ingests asbestos, there is a risk that they could get those fibers stuck inside them. Over time, those fibers may cause scarring, and that damage may lead to mesothelioma or a number of other asbestos-related illnesses.
Avoiding asbestos is the only way to make sure you aren’t exposed. Unfortunately, asbestos was used heavily in construction and is still used in some construction items today. In your home, you may be surprised to find that some asbestos is present, too.
Where can you find asbestos in your home?
For the most part, new homes do not contain much asbestos, if any. However, this mineral fiber was used in many materials in the past. If your home is from the 1930s to late 1970s, there is a risk that you may have asbestos in your flooring, vinyl features and in other places.
Some of the most common places where asbestos can be found include:
- In cement sheets, millboards and paper that were used as insulation around stoves and furnaces
- In cement roofing, siding and shingles
- In artificial embers and ashes for gas fireplaces
- In boilers, furnace ducts and steam pipes
These are just some of the places where you might find asbestos today. Interestingly, the majority of asbestos, when in materials that are in good condition, is not dangerous to your health. However, if that asbestos makes it into the air due to vinyl breaking apart or an item being removed incorrectly, then it could pose a threat to your health.
Before you have your home remodeled, it’s important to find out if asbestos is present in any of the materials there. If so, then special care has to be taken to remove that asbestos carefully.
Asbestos is not just found in homes. It’s in businesses like malls, office buildings and restaurants. Any time construction is going to take place, it’s essential to make sure asbestos isn’t present or that professionals remove it if it is. Your future health may rely on those steps being taken.