In home safety, few threats are as insidious and misunderstood as asbestos. Once celebrated for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos is revealed as a silent killer responsible for a myriad of respiratory diseases and cancers. Though its use has been largely discontinued, it still lurks in many older homes, posing a significant health risk to occupants.
It’s critical for both your health and the protection of the next generations to know if your house is asbestos-free. In this post, we will look at ways to determine if your home is asbestos-free.
Health Risks Associated With Asbestos
Prior to exploring asbestos detection techniques, it is critical to comprehend the nature of asbestos and the reasons behind its extreme danger. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals made up of long, thin threads. Because of its strength, resistance to heat, and insulating qualities, asbestos was often used in building materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, etc.
Asbestos is extremely dangerous when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled or consumed despite its useful uses. As found by the American Cancer Society, asbestos has been associated with several types of cancers, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and others. Even the asbestos present in talc powder has been linked to ovarian cancer.
Asbestos is particularly dangerous because it can remain dormant for years, sometimes even decades, before symptoms manifest. When a diagnosis is made, the disease is often advanced and difficult to treat.
Identifying Asbestos in Your Home
While the homeowner must conduct asbestos inspections, tenants should also do this if they suspect its presence. This can benefit them by preventing any severe health complications from exposure.
However, if you are diagnosed with a health condition due to exposure, you can find peace of mind by seeking the rightful compensation. The question you may have here is, can I sue for asbestos exposure? Well, the answer is yes. You can sue your landlord for not warning you of the asbestos presence in the property.
As mentioned by TorHoerman Law, landlords have a duty of care that they cannot breach. Warning tenants about high asbestos levels in their property is a part of that duty of care. If the homeowner breaches it, the tenant can sue him or her and prove liability in court to seek compensation.
Now you know the legal aspects of asbestos presence in a property. So here are some steps you can take to assess the asbestos risk in your home:
Age of the Property
Before the dangers of asbestos were widely acknowledged in the late 1980s, the material was frequently used in construction. Your house probably contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) if it was constructed before this time.
As stated by Mesothelioma.com, the simple rule is that newer homes are less likely to have asbestos material. On the other hand, properties built before the 1980s tend to have this mineral in some form.
However, it’s important to note that asbestos use persisted in certain products until the 1990s. Therefore, newer homes are not necessarily exempt from asbestos risk.
Professional Inspection
The most reliable way to ascertain the presence of asbestos is through a professional inspection conducted by certified asbestos inspectors. An Angi article points out that standard home inspections don’t check for asbestos to avoid liability, as it requires special expertise. Thus, you need to hire a special expert for professional inspection. It can cost $480 on average and range anywhere from $280 to $780.
These professionals are equipped and knowledgeable enough to safely gather samples of suspect materials and determine whether they contain asbestos. If asbestos is detected, they can recommend appropriate remediation measures to mitigate the risk.
DIY Testing Kits
DIY asbestos testing kits are available online or at hardware stores for homeowners who prefer a more hands-on approach. These kits typically include instructions for collecting samples safely and mailing them to a laboratory for analysis.
As emphasized by The Spruce, you need to wear protective gear and seal the area before testing for asbestos. Once you have collected samples, sending them for lab reports is also advised. DIY testing kits can provide preliminary insights into the presence of asbestos. However, their reliability may vary, and professional confirmation is recommended for accurate results.
Consultation with Previous Owners
If you’ve recently purchased a home, consider contacting the previous owners or researching the property’s history. They may have information about past renovations or asbestos abatement measures that have been undertaken. This insight can help you assess the likelihood of asbestos presence and plan accordingly for further inspection or remediation.
Managing Asbestos Risks
If asbestos is confirmed to be present in your home, it’s essential to take appropriate steps to manage the risks. Depending on the extent of asbestos-containing materials, options for management may include encapsulation, enclosure, or removal by licensed abatement professionals. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials must be avoided as they can release dangerous fibers into the air.
The good thing is that many countries have banned using asbestos in manufacturing products. An NCBI study shows that the consumption of this mineral increased in the 19th century and has lowered since 2000. The peak use was in 1980 when the consumption was 4.7 million tons. However, it reduced to 1.3 million tons in 2022, with Russia alone producing 0.7 million tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asbestos Still Being Utilized in Buildings Today?
While asbestos usage has drastically decreased, it is not completely prohibited in the United States and is still utilized in some goods. However, legislation and awareness efforts have made safer alternatives preferred in most circumstances.
How Harmful Is Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure can cause significant health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The degree of health concerns is determined by the duration and intensity of exposure and individual susceptibility variables such as smoking status.
Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?
DIY asbestos removal is strongly discouraged owing to the possible health dangers. Disturbing asbestos-containing items can emit fibers into the atmosphere, increasing the risk of exposure. For safe asbestos abatement, it is suggested that you use qualified personnel with appropriate training and equipment.
How Much Do Asbestos Tests Cost?
Asbestos testing costs vary according to the property’s size, sample quantity, and technique. Professional inspections normally cost between a few hundred and several thousand dollars, although DIY kits are less expensive but may be inaccurate.
What Should I Do if I Find Asbestos in My Home?
If asbestos is discovered in your house, you must avoid disturbing the materials and seek advice from a certified specialist. Depending on the size and condition of the asbestos, alternatives for mitigating health concerns may include encapsulation, enclosure, or expert abatement.
To summarize, the threat of asbestos looms large in many homes, particularly those built before the late 1970s. While the use of asbestos has declined significantly in recent decades, its legacy continues to pose a significant health risk.
Homeowners can safeguard their families and ensure a healthier living environment by understanding the signs of asbestos presence. They can then take proactive measures to assess and manage the risks. Pursuing asbestos-free living, whether through professional inspection, DIY testing, or consultation with experts, is critical to home safety and peace of mind.
