Asbestos has been in use since the 1800s, and its usage peaked during World War II until the late '70s when governments began banning its use. Before its ban, it was the preferred construction material due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Most homes that were built before 1980 contained asbestos and still do unless it was removed.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
If left undisturbed and unexposed, asbestos is not a health hazard. In fact, asbestos-related health problems are as a result of prolonged exposure. Homeowners typically don't fall under this group of prolonged exposure. In this group, you expect to find asbestos miners, transportation workers, product workers or people who live near mines or mills.
While there are a few cases of asbestos-related problems due to exposure at home, they tend to be fewer than occupational exposure. If left undisturbed, you can continue with your life without worrying about exposure. Ensure that any remodelling work is supervised by an asbestos professional.
Asbestos Removal
If you suspect that your home has asbestos, the best thing you can do is to leave it as it is. Don't disturb it; instead, contact a professional to inspect your home for asbestos. Limit access to the areas with asbestos until you hire an asbestos removal company.
While you can live for years in a house with asbestos materials without developing asbestos-related health problems, it's always better to have the asbestos removed. This because the asbestos can be disturbed anytime, especially during renovations or severe weather such as hurricanes.
You could try to remove it by yourself or hire an asbestos removal company. While the law can allow you to remove the asbestos, it's better that you leave asbestos removal to professionals. You might overlook some of the safety standards which will pose a risk to your family, neighbours and even you.
Also, there is proper disposal which is a health concern if you don't know where to dispose of the asbestos. The asbestos removal and disposal process are complicated, and thus you should let the professionals handle it.
Unlike you, the professionals will seal the area to protect your family from contamination. They will then begin removing the materials with asbestos while placing them in sealed disposal containers. During the removal process, they will ensure that they wear protective clothing. The final step involves cleaning the site to remove any traces of asbestos. Once cleaning is complete, you need an air quality test to confirm that your home is asbestos-free.
Share27 February 2020
Whether you work out of the home, or you are a stay-at-home parent, there are plenty of reasons why a cleaning service adds benefit to your life. Before dismissing regular cleaning by an outsider as a frivolous luxury, read further into this site to see what a cleaning service gives you. From a once-a-year full house spring cleaning event to a weekly or twice-weekly clean of your bathrooms and oven, a cleaning service gives you a sparkling home and you get back the important gift of time. Time with your family is in short supply, so consider taking advantage of having your home cleaned which means you have a clear conscious when spending time with your partner and/or children instead of scrubbing.
