If you don't know much about asbestos fibers, you might not understand why there's concern in the voice of a contractor who alerts you that you have this material inside your house. Asbestos can put you at risk for mesothelioma and lung cancer, so it is vital that it is removed. Here are some other things you need to know.
You Should Not Get Rid of it Yourself
Your first instinct, especially if you enjoy working on home projects, may be that you can handle the problem. You might want to don protective gear and get rid of it. However, it is vital to know that if you aren't properly qualified, you could be risking your health and that of your family. While intact asbestos is not a threat to you, the problem is damaged asbestos and free-floating fiber particles from when the material is moved or ripped apart. The particles, if inhaled, can travel into your lungs and cause a number of health problems.
You may want to sweep or get out the vacuum and suck up any debris from plumbing work, but this can also be problematic, as you might cause a dustup of asbestos particles and someone might breathe them in. Leave cleanup to a professional.
Your Entire House Should Be Inspected
A common misconception is that if asbestos is found in one spot, that's all you need to worry about. You might think that you just need to get rid of what was found, and that's it. However, that might not be the case at all. Asbestos has been used in multiple ways in many homes and businesses over the years. Everything from floor tiles and boiler ducts to textured paint and and insulation blankets could potentially contain asbestos. Some materials, such as patching compounds, were also used up until 1977. The chances might be even more likely that you have asbestos if your house was constructed any time between the years of 1930-1950.
For that reason, any discovery of asbestos must be taken seriously and your entire house should get inspected so that you can protect the health of yourself and your family.
The more information you have about asbestos, the better you will be able to keep your family safe from any adverse effects of this material. Get in touch with a local asbestos removal company; they can help direct your actions and ensure that your house is soon asbestos-free. Contact a business, such as Hutzel & Associates, Inc, for more information.
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