Asbestos exposure in the home

Do you have asbestos in the home? The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. What is asbestos in the House?

The danger is that asbestos materials may become damaged over time. Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard.

THE BEST THING TO DO WITH ASBESTOS MATERIAL IN GOOD CONDITION IS TO LEAVE IT ALONE! During home renovation projects, work often involves cutting, scraping and sanding that can. One of the places you might find asbestos in a home is the duct system. Asbestos in the Garage. If you have an older home with rigid metal ducts, as shown above, it might have the white fabric tape you see in the photo.

It’s in the air , water , and soil. But when you’re exposed at such low levels , it’s unlikely to make you sick. Other information about protecting workers from asbestos exposure.

Read the regulations. People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbe tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air.

KBE can provide an onsite assessment f your residential or commercial property. This process will determine whether you have been exposed to asbestos or not. It is important to keep in mind that exposure can occur anytime asbestos -containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Today, the risk of asbestos exposure is a growing concern because of the number of older homes undergoing renovations and other remodeling projects.

This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure. For others, it can happen within their own home. We now know that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung disease.

When disturbe tiny abrasive asbestos fibers are easily inhale which damages lung tissue and can cause cancer. The EPA also established regulations that require school systems to inspect buildings for the presence of damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce asbestos exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it. Most Americans will spend at least one-third of their time every day inside their home – that is a lot of time to be breathing air that could potentially make you sick. If inhaled or swallowe asbestos fibers can damage the cells of the mesothelium and cause mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer. When asbestos is crushe it does not make ordinary dust.

If asbestos in the home becomes damage asbestos fibers may be released.

For example, when asbestos insulation around boilers, furnaces, and pipes deteriorates, it releases asbestos dust. Blown ceilings containing asbestos may release fibers when they are drilled or patched. The most common cause of asbestos exposure in the home is from home renovations that involve materials containing asbestos.

Both small and large renovations may result in the release of asbestos and result in an exposure to asbestos fibers. If your home contains building material that could contain asbestos, keep an eye on it. If you notice any of the materials becoming brittle or crumbling or flaking, call professionals to test for asbestos an if necessary, safely remove the materials. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. For details on asbestos in the home see the GOV.

UK website or contact your local council who should be able to advise you. Please note that HSE is not responsible for the content of the GOV. UK website and would not actively encourage DIY removal of asbestos without advice. Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos , including limiting.

Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos -containing material.