Asbestos Removal

Asbestos Removal: A Home Safety Priority

You’ve heard of the deadly effects of Asbestos and may have heard stories of what happens when a person is exposed to it, but what should you do if this toxic substance is found in your own home?

Asbestos was used on an immense scale before its toxic side effects became known and as a result, many buildings and materials are still infused with it. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has heat-resistant qualities and was previously useful as an insulation tool in coatings, floor tiles, asbestos cement products, roofing or even brake linings in cars.

However, the substance is now prohibited for use due to the effect it has on those who inhale it. If microscopic fibers of Asbestos are released into the air and inhaled, life-threatening side effects can ensue and result in illnesses such as lung cancer and asbestosis.

Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed and produces inhaleable dust. Therefore, if Asbestos is not moved into a dust form in your home, it poses no threat to you or your family. If you have materials in your home that contain Asbestos, they can only be left in place without them posing a health risk if they are sealed and can not produce dust. In these circumstances, it is safest for the material to be left alone.

However, it is important that you continue to check these volatile materials for possible deterioration or shifting.

If you are considering removing materials that possibly contain Asbestos from your home, make sure you ask yourself these precautionary questions before doing so:

• Is the Asbestos in poor condition and could you leave it alone?
• Have you explored all the safe options for removing Asbestos-laced materials?
• Do you know the laws governing the safe removal of Asbestos from your home?
• Have you considered employing a licensed Asbestos remover to safely remove the materials from your home?

Remember that any loosely bound Asbestos in your home may only be removed by a licensed professional.