Checking for Asbestos in Your Home

If you're concerned about asbestos exposure you aren't alone. Many individuals wonder if they've been exposed, and if so, what they can do to help safeguard their health. If you think you are exposed to asbestos or are searching for ways to prevent an exposure, look no further. We'll discuss some of the health conditions that arise from asbestos exposure, and what can be done to prevent them.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that's been used for an assortment of different applications. Many houses may have this material in their own insulation, because it's a fire retardant. Once exposed, individuals can inhale the microscopic asbestos particles and take them in their lungs. Once there, the fibers can lead to lung cancer. If prolonged exposure happens, an individual can also develop cancer in the torso and abdomen.

It's important to remember that many people have experienced brief exposure and been just fine. The fine asbestos particles are hard to see and eliminate, so it's typical for them to stay in their air for extended periods of time thus increasing the risk of cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk for side effects because of exposure.

If you believe your home may have asbestos there are numerous locations that you would like to look. It's important to not forget that products today don't contain the fiber, just things developed in the 1970's or earlier.

- Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts can be coated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. When the fibers become damaged or are repaired improperly, they could lead to vulnerability.

- Resilient flooring tiles- the backing on several vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives could contain asbestos. Sanding the tiles or scratching them could release the fibers.

- Cement, millboard, and paper which were used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves. Repairing or removing these appliances could stir up the fibers.

- Door gaskets- in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves.

- Sound proofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Sanding, drilling or scraping the material could be detrimental.

- Cement roof, shingles, and siding. This generally only cause a problem when sawed, drilled, or cut.

If you believe you have asbestos in your house, do not panic. If the material is excellent condition, you can leave it alone. It's only when these materials are upset that there's a problem.

If you discover a damaged area- discard it with asbestos gloves and a facial mask. Your neighborhood health or environmental officials will have the ability to help you through the correct

disposal procedure. Always check with them when starting any remodeling job.

Rememberthe only way to discover if something contains asbestos is to look at it under a microscope. Enlist the support of a professional, and let them handle the details. They're trained in such removal processes and will help ensure the protection of your family and loved ones.