By now, most people are well aware of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. What many do not know, however, is that countless homes throughout the country still contain this dangerous substance. In fact, you may have asbestos in your home right now and not even know it.
The truth is that many homes constructed or renovated before 1980 used many building materials with asbestos in them. This means that if you unwitting disturb these building materials during a home project or renovation – thereby releasing microscopic asbestos fibers into the air – you are putting yourself and your family at risk of developing many serious, and often deadly, conditions, including mesothelioma.
Some common building materials that may contain asbestos in older homes include:
- Floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles
- HVAC duct insulation
- Ceiling insulation
- Pipe insulation
- Siding material, including many types of fiber cement siding
- Roof shingles
Sadly, however, these are merely a few of the many products you may come into contact with during a home renovation that may contain asbestos, which is why it is always best to proceed with caution. If you suspect you may have asbestos, it is always best to take the proper precautions and have it tested, and then removed by professionals.
Asbestos: The slow killer
In many cases, a person will not be adversely affected by asbestos exposure until years, or decades, later. So, even if you are exposed today, you may not start developing symptoms of mesothelioma – or other medical conditions – until much later. This is also why many construction and remodeling workers will not begin experiencing symptoms for many years.
