Asbestos Awareness: Common Misconceptions and Facts Every Homeowner Should Know
When it comes to knowing about asbestos, most homeowners typically understand that it is a health hazard that needs to be removed from their homes. However, most homeowners are still unclear on a lot of the issues about asbestos. Amidst the abundance of information available, there are many misconceptions that continue to persist. In this article, we’ll debunk some of these myths and shed light on important facts every homeowner should know about asbestos.
What is Asbestos?
First things first, let’s clarify what asbestos actually is. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various industries due to its heat resistance and durability. It was commonly found in building materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing tiles, among others.
Myth #1: Asbestos is only found in older homes.
One of the most common misconceptions about asbestos is that it’s only present in older homes. While it’s true that asbestos use peaked in the mid-20th century and was eventually banned in many countries, including the United States, it can still be found in homes built before the 1980s. However, in some instances, even newer homes may contain asbestos-containing materials, as some products continued to be manufactured with asbestos until the late 1990s.
Fact: Asbestos exposure can occur during renovations or repairs.
Even if your home was built after the asbestos ban, you could still be at risk for exposure during renovations or repairs. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibers into the air which, when inhaled, can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. This is why it’s essential to take precautions and conduct asbestos testing before any renovation or demolition work.1
Myth #2: Asbestos is only dangerous if it’s damaged or disturbed.
While it’s true that asbestos is most hazardous when its fibers are released into the air, the mere presence of asbestos-containing materials in your home poses a potential risk. Over time, asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate, become friable (which means it turns into a powdery dust), and release fibers into the air—even without direct disturbance.2 So it’s important to be aware of the presence of asbestos in your home and take appropriate measures to manage it safely.
Fact: Proper asbestos removal should be handled by trained professionals.
If asbestos-containing materials in your home need to be removed or encapsulated, it’s crucial to hire trained professionals who specialize in asbestos abatement. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can be extremely dangerous and may result in greater exposure to harmful fibers. Certified asbestos abatement contractors have the necessary knowledge, equipment, and protective gear to safely contain and remove asbestos from your home, minimizing the risk to you and your family.
Myth #3: Asbestos testing is expensive and unnecessary.
Some homeowners may believe that asbestos testing is an unnecessary expense, especially if they don’t suspect the presence of asbestos in their homes. However, the truth is that asbestos testing is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the safety of your family. Additionally, if you’re planning any renovations or repairs, the cost of asbestos testing is negligible compared to the potential health risks and liabilities associated with asbestos exposure.
Fact: Asbestos testing is the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos in your home.
Visual inspection of materials suspected to contain asbestos is not sufficient to determine its presence. That’s because asbestos fibers are microscopic—they cannot be identified without specialized testing equipment. Professional asbestos testing involves collecting samples of suspected materials and sending them to a certified laboratory for analysis. Only through laboratory testing can you accurately determine whether asbestos is present in your home and take appropriate action to manage it safely.
{ At Adviro environmental testing, we can provide the professional asbestos testing needed to identify whether the substance is in your home. To learn more, see our Home Health Checkup Packages. }
Conclusion
All in all, every homeowner should be aware about the hazards of asbestos, regardless of the age of their home. By understanding the common misconceptions and knowing the facts about asbestos, you can easily take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Remember, when it comes to asbestos, ignorance is not bliss—it’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy home environment. If you have any concerns about asbestos in your home, please contact us. As a professional environmental testing company, at Adviro we offer comprehensive asbestos testing and asbestos surveys to help you get the information you need quickly and accurately. We’ll help you breathe easy—because your health and safety are worth it.
Sources:
1 Get an Asbestos Survey and J# Permit Prior to Demolition
https://goadviro.com/j-demolition-survey/j-demolition-survey/
2What Is Friable Asbestos?
https://www.mesotheliomahub.com/mesothelioma/asbestos/how-to-identify-asbestos/friable-asbestos/
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