Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in construction right up until the 1970s. It was added to materials to provide heat insulation, fire resistance and to give added strength. Asbestos fibers are very small and easily inhaled. This is where the danger lies because these fibers stick to the lungs and stay there for a long time causing serious health problems. Among the diseases linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos is Mesothelioma which is a type of cancer that affects the abdominal cavity and chest lining and, Asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs with fibrous tissue.
If asbestos is in a home, how easy is it to become exposed to the fibers? If materials containing asbestos are disturbed in any way by scraping, sanding or just general handling, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation.
What should you do? You should not try to handle and remove asbestos yourself, instead, contact a company that specializes in the safe handling and removal of asbestos. A home inspection will reveal whether your home could contain asbestos so please feel free to contact us if you have questions.