Asbestos is a very common and hazardous material that many people often underestimate the risks involved with.
This article will take you through some basics on what asbestos is, how it can affect you, and how to avoid any unnecessary exposure in your home.
Effects Of Asbestos Exposure On The Body
Asbestos is a very dangerous material that has been linked to many diseases and cancers. The most common disease linked to asbestos exposure is asbestosis, which is a lung disease that can be fatal.
Mesothelioma, another disease caused by asbestos, affects the outer lining of the lungs and body cavity linings.
Mesothelioma can be deadly as well but is much less likely to affect someone than asbestosis. People who are exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time are more susceptible to these conditions.
Also, the fibers from asbestos are too small to be seen with the naked eye, which is why they can go unnoticed for a long time before any symptoms begin to show.
For this reason, regardless of if you think there may be any present in your home or not, you should always assume that there is and take precautions to avoid exposure.
The Importance Of Asbestos Testing
One way to be sure that there is no asbestos in your home is by calling a professional to have it tested.
They will send out a specialist for this test who can examine the material and determine if there are any present, as well as how much.
Asbestos sampling is another way to test for asbestos without having to go through the whole process of taking everything apart, which can be very time-consuming.
However, if you are uncomfortable with the idea of sending someone into your home to take samples, then it is best just to hire a company that does this for a living.
If there is any kind of suspicion that asbestos might be in your home, it is always best to call a professional.
They will have the tools and expertise to find out for sure if there is anything present and how much of it there is so you can take any needed precautions.
Tips In Avoiding Asbestos Exposure
After you get the results back from your asbestos testing for your home, there are several things you can do to avoid any unnecessary exposure.
1. Get The Material Tested By A Professional
If you are unsure of the existence of asbestos in your home, it is always best to have it tested. This way, you will know for sure if there is anything present that could be hazardous.
There are many ways to test for asbestos, but sending someone into your home to take samples is the most common method used today.
This will definitely be the best and most accurate way to test for asbestos in your home.
2. Don’t Tear Out Walls Or Floors Without A Professional
If you have any suspicion at all that there may be asbestos present, do not try to tear out walls or floors without a professional present.
Removing material from the house can send fibers into the air that you could inhale if not careful.
You should always hire someone who is well trained in asbestos removal to do any work like this for you, even if there turns out not to be anything present.
3. Keep Children And Pets Out Of Damaged Areas
If there are any areas that have been damaged or torn apart where asbestos may be present, keep children and pets out of those areas until it has been cleaned up.
The fibers can become airborne, and if anyone were to inhale them, they could develop one of the many diseases linked to asbestos exposure.
4. Avoid Smoking In Areas Where There May Be Asbestos
In addition to not smoking in areas that have been exposed to asbestos, you should also avoid smoking altogether if you or anyone else in your home has ever had any kind of respiratory problems.
This material can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and cause them to worsen.
5. Be Sure To Seal Off Any Areas That Have Been Exposed
You should seal off any areas where there has been a problem or potential exposure. This will prevent fibers from becoming airborne and floating around the rest of the house.
Also, avoid using a wet mop when cleaning up dust from these areas because it can create more problems by forcing particles through the air.
The best way to avoid any health risks that may be associated with asbestos is to simply stay away from it.
If you think there could be asbestos present in your home, or if you are ever unsure about it at all, don’t take chances and call a professional for testing immediately.