If your home was built before the 1980s, it may have been built with asbestos. If inhaled, asbestos can cause cancer or other serious health problems, so you definitely want to be aware of it if you live in an older home. Here are some tips about how to spot asbestos and what to do about it.
The good news is that asbestos isn’t harmful unless it’s provoked or damaged. In fact, in some cases, pros recommend leaving it alone. However, you should be cautious when doing home projects that may aggravate the asbestos.
Asbestos isn’t easy to spot. It’s invisible and odorless, and even a very small amount can cause harm. Homes built between the 1940s and 1980s are most likely to have asbestos. It was a popular choice because of its fire-preventing qualities, but was phased out in 1989 because of the health risks.
The biggest concern with asbestos is breaking it up and creating dust. Even drilling through a surface that has asbestos can release it into the air.
If you’re thinking about remodeling and live in an older home, you need to be on the lookout for asbestos. Flooring tiles, insulation, and pipework are some of the most common areas where asbestos might be found. Insulation and pipe wrapping are of particular concern, since those materials are more likely to disintegrate over time and create that airborne dust.
If you think your home might have asbestos, get it tested as soon as possible. Asbestos removal isn’t always necessary, but if you’re remodeling, your contractor may recommend it. In that scenario, you want to make sure you bring in an expert in asbestos removal to keep your family safe. Not all states and localities require asbestos inspection or removal professionals to be licensed and accredited, but it’s a good idea to hire a pro who has received EPA training and accreditation in safely handling asbestos. Asbestos hiring tips
Because asbestos is so delicate and hazardous to work with, this is definitely not a DIY job. Asbestos testing and removal jobs need to be done by experienced professionals with specialized training. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring an asbestos professional:
Asbestos licensing and training regulations vary by state and locality. Learn your local laws and verify that they have the appropriate licenses and, if necessary, the permits required for the job.
Make sure that they’re familiar with OSHA and EPA standards for handling asbestos. Even if your state doesn’t require it, verify that the supervisor’s training meets the EPA Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, which OSHA requires for all asbestos removal jobs.
Familiarize yourself with safe asbestos work practices and make sure the contractors are following them. An asbestos work area should be completely sealed off with plastic so it’s separated from the air you breathe.
Ask for references and check them. Specifically ask about the work practices they’ve used on previous jobs.
Afterward, it’s wise to get an independent asbestos test done, by a different company than the one that removed it, to verify the work was done correctly and no asbestos remains present.
