Are you about to take on a home renovation project? Fixing up an old house can be very rewarding, as long as you are prepared for what you might find. Many materials that were used in construction years ago are now known to be hazardous. If you discover any of them during your renovation, removing them may be costly and delay your completion time. Let’s discuss one of those materials – Asbestos.
Years ago, before much was known about the hazards of asbestos, it was commonly used in construction. Asbestos can add strength to construction materials, deliver fire resistance and provide good heat insulation. So, why is it so bad? Asbestos is a mineral fiber. Its fibers are extremely small and when disturbed, can release into the air. The problem with asbestos fibers is that when a person breathes them in, they stick to the lungs and remain there for a long time. Prolonged asbestos exposure can produce some nasty health problems like Asbestosis and mesothelioma.
So, how could you be exposed to asbestos during a renovation? If your home was constructed in the 70s or earlier and has not been updated, there is a chance you will find asbestos. As mentioned, asbestos is dangerous when disturbed, so tearing down walls, flooring, or any other demolition could expose you to asbestos fibers.
What is the answer? Before starting the renovation, hire a home inspector to take a look at the property. If they discover asbestos do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, find a company that is qualified and experienced in asbestos removal that can take care of the problem and dispose of the asbestos properly.
