Asbestos was a material used in a number of fibrous insulators in construction before the 1970's. Due to the damage it can cause to the lungs, it has become a serious concern in older homes and buildings. Originally used to insulate due to its ability to resist and retain heat, it was later discovered that the fibers cause significant health problems when broken down.You may be familiar with asbestosis, a disease caused specifically by asbestos fibers gathering in the lungs, but inhaling the material can also lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Fortunately, when left to its own devices, asbestos is relatively safe. Efforts have been made to remove it from older homes, but if you are on the market for a house that was built in the 1970's or before, it's generally a good idea to ensure that the house is asbestos-free. More importantly, you may run into problems when remodeling. If you know that your home was built with asbestos, you should avoid areas where it is located. If you are unsure about your home's safety, you can hire an asbestos tester to give your home the thumbs-up for remodeling.
The important thing to remember is that asbestos is the most dangerous when it is broken down and the fibers become airborne. Should this happen, you must proceed with caution. If you are concerned with long-term exposure and damage, an asbestos removal service can be enlisted to clean a home of all the insulation that contains asbestos. Due to its abundance in older homes, take time to consider this dangerous material.
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