How To Protect Your Family From Asbestos
Posted on: 22 February 2018
Asbestos is a group of minerals that was used in building materials, and that is still present in many older buildings. The Asbestos Disease Research Institute describes how it was used from the 1940s until 1987. Asbestos can cause serious health problems, most commonly a dangerous and incurable lung disease known as asbestosis. It has also been linked to various types of cancer, especially the rare lung cancer mesothelioma. While asbestos is generally not dangerous when undisturbed, it is still a good idea to take every precaution possible to protect your family from this dangerous substance. The ideas below will help you
Get Informed About Your Situation
Many people do not know whether their home contains asbestos or not, especially if their family were not the first owners of the building. Bergman Legal explains that it's always best to find out whether your home contains asbestos, which can be contained in any part of the house, from the roof to the drywall to old wallpaper and flooring. Professional companies can come to your home and check it out, as well as testing the air for disturbed asbestos fibres.
Take Care Not To Disturb Asbestos
As asbestos.com points out, asbestos exposure often occurs when homeowners perform renovations that disturb the asbestos, causing fibres to break off into the air. Be very careful when undertaking home renovations and doing DIY. You may want to have the asbestos removed prior to a large construction project or remodel, or perhaps choose a company with asbestos experience to work with.
Don't Bring Asbestos Home From Work
This is especially relevant to those who work in the construction trade, as they are the people who are most likely to be exposed to asbestos at work. Think Asbestos describes a case in which a man was exposed to asbestos and brought the fibres home on his clothing, which led to his wife's death from asbestos-related cancer. Make sure that you leave your work clothes and shoes at work, and that you take proper precautions to ensure your safety there.
Consider Asbestos Removal
Asbestos may not be a threat to your family if it is lying undisturbed in your home. However, if it is making you feel nervous or worried, it might be worth paying for the asbestos to be professionally removed. As the American Cancer Society states, you should not try to remove asbestos yourself and should always contact the professionals, as you run the risk of contaminating your home and making the problem worse.
While asbestos can be dangerous to your family if disturbed, the only way to know about your risk of exposure is to have your home professionally tested. There will then be a range of options available to you, from complete removal to trying not to disturb it. If any of your family do show signs of asbestosis, see a medical professional as soon as possible.
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