Asbestos in the Home
What To Do If You Discover Asbestos in Your Home If you’re planning on purchasing or renovating an older home, you should be aware of the risk of asbestos – a toxic mineral found in many homes built before 1980. While it is possible that an older home that you’re purchasing or renovating may have asbestos, there are ways to deal with this common problem with the right knowledge and professional help along the way. Read on for common questions surrounding asbestos and steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t pose a risk to your family’s health and safety. What is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Because of these properties, asbestos was commonly added to cloth, paper, cement and plastic to create stronger building materials and to produce things like insulation. However, during the 1970’s and ‘80s it was discovered that asbestos can cause illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other cancers. How is asbestos discovered in the home? It is possible that a home inspector can identify specific building materials (especially in older homes) that are commonly known to hold asbestos, such as vinyl floor […]
