Asbestos In Older Homes
Dangers
Health problems that can arise from coming in contact with asbestos consist of cancer (lung, ovarian, or laryngeal).
Sources
Building Materials
When renovating a homes or installing something new, be sure to have the materials (wrap around pipes, drywall tape, popcorn ceiling materials, or insulation) checked for asbestos. This is manly a concern for homes that are built before 1980.
Inhaling
Inhaling asbestos can cause severe damage to an individual’s lungs, leading to inflammation of the tissue and potentially resulting in death. No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe. The effects of asbestos inhalation depend on factors such as its location, type of mineral, and the age of the material.
Chrysotile or Amphibole Asbestos
These are the two types of asbestos that can lead to disease development. Often, these diseases go undetected until a doctor conducts a thorough examination, making asbestos a particularly dangerous mineral.
How to Limit & Avoid an Indoor Gas Danger
Building Materials
Before using the materials, be sure to have them tested or assessed. Don’t smoke or inhale anything near the areas, bebsure to be outdoors becuase it can cause damage to the lung. Be sure to wear the right coverings and make sure that the material is washed/wet when in use.
Health Problems
The effects of asebstos diseases can depend on many factos such as how much is inhaled or how long the exposure has been. This in fact is good news becuase the main thing that can be done is just making sure that the right protection, ventilation, and space is right for the asesbots being around.
Frequently Asked Questions (coming soon)
References & Helpful Articles
- https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/epa-actions-protect-public-exposure-asbestos
- https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/IEPWG_ASBESTOS_FAMILY.PDF
- https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/IEPWG_ASBESTOS_WORKER.PDF
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/overview.html
- https://www.osha.gov/asbestos/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
- https://nchh.org/information-and-evidence/learn-about-healthy-housing/health-hazards-prevention-and-solutions/asbestos/#:~:text=If%20disturbed%2C%20asbestos%20material%20may,or%20damage%20without%20disturbing%20it