In the 1970s, it became quite obvious that prolonged exposure to asbestos could cause respiratory problems, cancer, and many other health problems. According to most experts, asbestos hysteria became common because asbestos was found everywhere, including homes, supermarkets, schools, churches, and offices.
As a result, people began looking for ways to remove asbestos from houses, apartments, and buildings. In addition, the governments of many countries began to ban and phase out the production of asbestos. Over the decades, most asbestos was removed from structures around the world. However, much remains to be eliminated. Since it is dangerous to remove asbestos, people wonder if they should remove it or keep it there.
Be aware that living in a house with asbestos may not pose a health risk. Most people with asbestos-related health problems are exposed to this material for years like those employed in factories where it is produced.
However, in homes, this material tends to deteriorate over time. Alternatively, it can be damaged or disturbed, resulting in the emission of this material into the air. Since this product has great staying power, it can stay in the air in your home for years. When you breathe, the fibers reach your lungs.
Over time, the fibers build up in the lungs, which can cause mesothelioma and cancer. In a building, it can be found in cement, tile, shingles, soundproofing shingles, siding, fiberboard, insulation, and paint.
Asbestos in a home
If a professional visited your home for the presence of asbestos and the test results were positive, what would you do next? This decision depends on many factors.
If asbestos is in things in your home that can be disturbed, make sure the material is removed. Apart from this, any type of alteration, such as sawing fibreboard or sanding paint, can contain this material.
Also, if the asbestos is in good condition in the form of piles of plumbing or insulation, you can leave it there. However, it is better to cover or seal these things. Sealing can be done with special products designed to coat asbestos products and bond the fibers. This will prevent the emission of fibers.
Regardless of which method you choose, we suggest that you enlist the services of a professional contactor. Although government health agencies encourage owners to dispose of this substance by professionals, you can dispose of it yourself. Since the professionals are quite expensive, you need to use the right tools and take the proper steps to remove the substance.
It is better to opt for hand tools instead of power tools to minimize dust during the removal process. Other than this, you may want to try a vacuum cleaner to clean and sweep up excess material. Make sure to keep the material wet or damp, which will prevent the fibers from mixing with the air.
So this was an introduction to asbestos and whether or not it should be removed.
