Homeowner’s Guide to Asbestos
Before 1986, asbestos was widely used in the construction of residential homes. Common products made with asbestos included asphalt or cement roofing shingles, vinyl floor tiles, wall and ceiling insulation, and drywall. If a product is disturbed commercially (drilling or sanding) or naturally (earthquake or severe storm), it can release dangerous asbestos fibers. Asbestos is the name given to six silicate mineral fibers that occur naturally in the earth’s crust. It has been widely used in industry, residences and consumer products. The individual fibers are microscopic and can be seen only with an electron microscope. Often referred to as a miracle mineral, these virtually indestructible fibers have been widely used in home construction for insulation, fireproofing, soundproofing and much more. Asbestos is abundant and inexpensive. By the 1930s, it had become an important component of residential construction. By the late 1930s, asbestos manufacturers were aware of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. However, many of those manufacturers actively concealed this information and continued mining and selling the hazardous product to industries throughout the world. After the public became aware of its hazards, asbestos use in residential buildings was phased out by 1986 as manufacturers were allowed to use the existing supply. Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products throughout most of the 20th century. The most common occurrences of residential asbestos in older homes built prior to 1986 are described below. All of these products can release dangerous asbestos fibers if they are sawed, sanded, drilled, cut, worn or otherwise damaged. Vermiculite insulation was a popular form of insulation until 1990. Vermiculite itself is a harmless product, but from 1919 until 1985, more than 70 percent of the nation’s vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana. This vermiculite was contaminated with asbestos. The mine was shut down in 1990 after the contamination was discovered, but it is possible some products were still sold. While the EPA has established laws governing the destruction of buildings that contain asbestos, no law can prevent natural disasters from damaging or destroying your home. Asbestos repair is the process of containing asbestos without removing it. It is less extreme and safer than removal. The following methods are available: The selection of an asbestos abatement company is arguably the most important decision you will make when removing asbestos. One misstep by the company could jeopardize your health as well as the health of your family and anyone who enters your home. It is important to extensively research the abatement companies in your area and verify their credentials. Asbestos removal is considered an extreme course of action. It is usually recommended only when asbestos is causing a hazard or at risk of causing a hazard that cannot otherwise be safely contained. It requires an evacuation of the area and, possibly, of the home for the duration of the process. Asbestos can be recycled at approved facilities. Recycled asbestos can be converted to various silicate glass products that no longer contain the harmful mineral.Homeowner’s Guide to Asbestos
Handling, damaging or disturbing asbestos can release these fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled. The human body is unable to absorb or dissolve these fibers, so they lodge deeply into the lungs, causing scar tissue and cancer cells to develop over a period of 10 to 40 or more years.
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of an aggressive and deadly cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma impacts the thin tissues surrounding the lungs or abdomen. Other conditions associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer and asbestosis, a painful inflammatory condition that causes scarring of the lungs.Why was it used in homes?
Common Places to Find Asbestos in Homes and Buildings
Natural Disasters That Can Disrupt Asbestos In Your Home
Floods
Earthquakes
In cases of complete destruction of the home, an extensive process by a professional asbestos abatement company will be necessary.Hurricanes
Concerns about an invisible air particulate may not seem like a priority, but the possibility of disturbed asbestos deserves consideration due to the long-term devastating health consequences.
Damaged homes that contain asbestos are hazardous for families retrieving possessions as well as clean-up crews. Wildfires
Asbestos-containing products inside the home can continue releasing asbestos fibers long after the fire is extinguished. Immediate remediation may be necessary.Tornadoes
In cases of direct impact, any asbestos in the home, even professionally enclosed asbestos, can become friable and hazardous. Severe Thunderstorms
Lightning strikes could damage electrical components containing asbestos or cause attic fires that disturb insulation or other asbestos-containing products.What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos In Your Home
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos testing is the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos. Asbestos removal companies require testing prior to removal.
Asbestos Repair
Encapsulation
Enclosure
Hiring an Asbestos Removal Company
The following best practices will ensure you hire a company you can trust:
What Not to Do With Asbestos
Asbestos Removal
Abatement professionals must wear personal protective equipment, which includes suits and respirators. The abatement procedure is performed as follows:
Costs
The investment in proper asbestos remediation will protect your health and buy you peace of mind for a lifetime.
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