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What to Do If I Find Asbestos in My Home?

November 3, 2024

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building construction due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in homes built before the 1980s, including insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials, and siding. Even though the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries, including in part in the United States, it is still present in many older buildings.

If you have found asbestos in your home, it is important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others who may be exposed. Asbestos fibers are released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. These fibers can be inhaled and can cause serious health problems.

Dealing with Asbestos in the Home

If you have found asbestos in your home, taking the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and that of anyone else exposed is important.

Here are the steps you should take if you find asbestos in your home:

  • Do not disturb the material: Asbestos-containing materials in good condition and left undisturbed pose very little risk. It is only when the material is damaged or disturbed that asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. So, avoid touching, cutting, or drilling the material.
  • Have the material tested: You can hire a licensed asbestos inspector or abatement contractor to take a sample of the material and have it tested at an accredited laboratory to confirm whether it contains asbestos.
  • Develop a plan: If the material contains asbestos, you should create a plan for managing or removing it. Sometimes, leaving the material in place and monitoring it may be a safe option. In other cases, removal may be necessary.
  • Hire a professional: If you decide to remove the asbestos, hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to do the work. Do not attempt to remove the material yourself, as this can release harmful fibers into the air.
  • Notify others: If you live in a multi-unit building, notify your landlord or property manager and your neighbors about the presence of asbestos. This can help prevent others from being exposed.

Remember that asbestos is a dangerous substance, and it should be handled with caution. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you and others in your home remain safe.

Where Might I Find Asbestos in My Home?

If your home was built before the 1980s, it may contain asbestos-containing materials. Some common places where you may find asbestos in your home include:

  • Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in attics, walls, and around pipes.
  • Ceiling tiles: Asbestos was used in ceiling tiles, especially in drop ceilings.
  • Floor tiles: Asbestos was used in vinyl floor tiles, especially in older homes.
  • Roofing and siding: Asbestos was used in roofing shingles and siding materials, especially in homes built before the 1970s.
  • Textured paint: Asbestos was used in textured paints and coatings, such as popcorn ceilings.
  • Pipe insulation: Asbestos was used in insulation around pipes and boilers.

It is important to note that asbestos-containing materials may not always be obvious. Sometimes, asbestos fibers can be hidden within other materials, such as plaster or drywall. It is always best to assume that older building materials contain asbestos unless they have been tested and confirmed to be asbestos-free.

If you are unsure whether a material in your home contains asbestos, it is recommended to have it tested by a licensed asbestos inspector. They can take a sample of the material and have it tested at an accredited laboratory to confirm whether it contains asbestos.

FAQ

Read on for the answers to some commonly asked questions about asbestos in the home.

What should you do if you are exposed to asbestos in your home?

If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to minimize further exposure and seek medical attention. The health effects of asbestos exposure can take years to develop, so it is important to take any exposure seriously.

How do you test yourself for asbestos exposure?

It is not possible to test yourself for asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen or felt, and symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not appear for many years after exposure.

If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, seeking medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider is the best course of action. They can conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and order any necessary tests to assess your lung function and look for signs of asbestos-related diseases.

Can a single exposure to asbestos cause mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma typically develops after repeated exposure to asbestos over a period of many years. However, even a single exposure can increase the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, in the future.

What Are the Next Steps if I Find Asbestos in My Home?

If you find asbestos in your home, the next steps will depend on the condition of the material and whether it poses a risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to take the following steps:

  • Seek medical attention: If you have been exposed to asbestos, seek medical attention immediately. Let your doctor know that you may have been exposed to asbestos and provide them with any information you have about the source and duration of the exposure.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor may order imaging or lung function tests to assess the damage. They will also provide guidance on managing any symptoms and monitoring your health in the future.
  • Identify the source of exposure: Try to identify the source and duration of the asbestos exposure, as this can help inform any future medical monitoring and treatment.
  • Consider legal action: If your asbestos exposure resulted from negligence or misconduct by another party, you might be able to take legal action to seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Remember that the health effects of asbestos exposure can take years to develop, so it is important to seek medical attention and monitor your health even if you do not have any immediate symptoms.