Asbestos is a known toxin that can cause serious illness like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Because of the former popularity of asbestos, it’s not uncommon for this carcinogenic material to be found in older homes, especially those built before 1980.
The most common products that may contain asbestos and are found in homes include:
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Ceilings
- Textured paint
- Insulation
- Roof shingles
- Siding
- Plaster
- Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves
- Hot water pipes and steam pipes
- Oil and coal furnaces and their door gaskets
- And more
Is Asbestos in Your Home? Learn What to Do and Not Do
Asbestos is a danger to your health if you inhale its fibers. These fibers are released into the air when asbestos products, like those listed above, are disturbed or improperly handled. The number one thing you can do if you suspect you have asbestos in your home is to not disturb it.
Here are some other do’s and don’ts from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Do leave undamaged materials containing asbestos alone.
- Don’t sweep, dust or vacuum and asbestos debris or materials.
- Do keep activities in areas with asbestos materials to a minimum.
- Don’t saw, scrape, break or drill into any asbestos-containing materials.
- Do take measures to avoid the asbestos-containing materials.
- Don’t use abrasive pads or sanding materials on any products containing asbestos.
- Do only allow properly trained and certified professionals to handle and remove the asbestos products.
The best thing you can do if you discover asbestos in your home is to contact a trained and accredited asbestos professional to properly remove the materials. Attempting to remove the asbestos yourself is an easy way to unknowingly release the asbestos fibers into the air, risking asbestos inhalation and potential health hazards like mesothelioma.
Learn more about asbestos exposure and its link to dangerous diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma today.
