How To Protect Yourself From Toxic Asbestos In Your Home

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If you live in a home or apartment built before 1975, chances are likely that it contains asbestos. Asbestos is a group of natural minerals that can be separated into thin threads and is fire and heat proof.  Due to its heat resistance, asbestos has been used extensively as a thermal and insulator in building construction materials during the 1940’s through 1970’s (source). Not only is it present in “popcorn” ceilings, it can also be found in numerous materials commonly found in homes including floor tiles, linoleum, roofing material, sliding material and HVAC ducts.

Asbestos Banned In Over 60 Countries Except The United States 

It’s a bit hard to believe isn’t it? Iceland was the first country to completely ban the use of asbestos in 1983. Countries such as England, Sauda Arabia, Greece, and New Zealand have all followed suit and completely banned the use of asbestos. However, to this day, asbestos are still being used in many products in the United States including roofing materials, brake pads gaskets and more.  The Murray Bill and Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act, two bill which would curb the use of asbestos in commercial products both failed to pass in congress.

Affect Of Asbestos On Health 

Exposure to asbestos can increase one’s chances of developing asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and even other cancers. Asbestosis is respiratory disease which results in cardiac failure in advanced stages. Symptoms of asbestosis include coughing and shortness of breath.  Individuals who renovate and demolish buildings are most at risk for developing asbestosis.  Lung cancer is also associated with asbestos exposure with the risk even higher among smokers who have been exposed. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity and a result of asbestos exposure. Each year over 2,000-3,000 Americans are diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Other cancers associated with exposure include cancers of the brain, kidney, bladder and gallbladder. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Americans are currently living with asbestosis.

How To Protect Yourself 

Be extra careful if you’re considering a home renovation project. Asbestos are invisible and it’s virtually impossible for an untrained person to tell if a substance contains asbestos. If you are unsure if a structure contains asbestos, you may want to contact a professional inspection company in order to check your home in depth. A professional will take samples of suspicious materials for further analysis. It’s imperative to hire a professional because sampling or disturbing the particles can increase the risk of asbestos particles inadvertantly being released in the air. Once a particle is released it can remain airborn for hours and once inhaled it can stay in the lungs indefinitely.

If you do have an asbestos problem a professional asbestos professional contractor can encapsulate or enclose it. Encapsulation involves using a sealant in order to coat the asbestos in order to prevent particles from being released. Enclosure consists of covering the offending asbestos in order to prevent future exposure. An air quality test may be performed once the work has been completed in order to make sure there isn’t a surge in asbestos particles.

About Author : Jacqueline Cao is a freelance writer with a focus on well-being and health. She currently writes for Titan Environmental Solutions, an asbestos testing companies company serving all of California.

Resources

http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jennifer/asbestos-not-yet-banned-in-the-united-states.htm

http://www.titan-enviro.com/asbestos-assessment

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family

Jacqueline Cao
I'm a human being who strives to be healthy, happy and content. My favorite topics to write about include wellness, health and skin care.