Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is mostly found around old construction sites. This element is usually added to various construction materials to make them stronger and improve their fire resistance properties. As much as these materials have some desirable qualities, asbestos fibers pose some health hazards. This explains why most old homes with materials made of materials are deemed dangerous.
How Does Asbestos Affect Human Health?
Asbestos exposure puts you at risk of mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer. This cancer affects the chest lining and the abdominal cavity. In other instances, asbestos can also lead to asbestosis, which is characterized by scarring of lung tissues with fibrous tissue. The risk of getting mesothelioma is directly proportional to the number of fibers inhaled. Your lifestyle, such as smoking, might also increase your risk of getting lung cancer. It is worth noting that the symptoms of these ailments could take up 20 years to manifest.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Asbestos is not common in recently manufactured products. But if a product contains asbestos, it is expected to be as labeled as such. However, asbestos is mostly found in products that were produced in the 1970s. Some common products manufactured in the past that could have some asbestos include:
- Resilient floor tiles
- Asbestos roofing, shingles, and siding
- Door gaskets
- Furnace ducts
- Insulation
If you live in a home build between 1930 and 1970, the chances are that they might still be some traces of asbestos left. If, by any chance, you suspect that this dangerous fiber is still lingering in your home.
What Should You Do About Asbestos in the Home?
These professionals have the tools and experience needed to identify asbestos fibers and help with the remediation exercise. Ideally, these experts only help you when there is some damage to construction products made using asbestos.