With how widespread asbestos has been used in America, it is not uncommon to find some in your home or business. The good news is that when asbestos products are undisturbed, they are generally safe. However when remodeling or repair work is being done on your property there is a risk of contaminating your home or office.
Why was asbestos used in the first place? Asbestos is both durable and fire resistant, so it was a natural choice for building materials before its harmful qualities were better understood. Considering how dangerous exposure to asbestos can be it’s important to understand what it looks like, where it is most commonly found, and how to avoid contamination.
If you think you may have asbestos on your hand, call a professional and do not try to remove it yourself.
Floor tiles
A quick rule of thumb is that if you have floor tiles that are 9” x 9” instead of the standard 12” x 12” tiles commonly used today there is a high chance that asbestos was used in either the installation or production. The glue used in installation was often fortified with asbestos fibers.
Drywall Joint Compound
Older drywall frequently had joint compound that contained asbestos in it to strengthen it and add fire retardant. Be careful about drilling into and removing drywall in an older home or workspace.
Ceilings
Thinking about removing that popcorn ceiling in your home? You may want to get that checked out first. Depending on how old the ceiling material is, it has a high chance of being full of asbestos.
Pipes
Homes and business alike are likely to have insulated pipes wrapped in asbestos-containing material. Be especially careful when removing insulation on your fiberglass wrapped pipes because the asbestos was often not removed and instead covered up with fiberglass. This may disturbe the material and should be handled by a professional.
Attics
The least visited place in the home may have the most asbestos. Attics were insulated with material that contained asbestos for decades, and many older buildings are still full of it. If there is a fluffy material, or something that looks like loose gravel that is an indicator you may have asbestos on your hands.
If you are worried about the cost of replacing the hazardous material in your attic, The ZAI Trust is available to help with cost if you have zonolite vermiculite. Check out their website for more info.
With how common Asbestos is, it is likely you could accidently be exposed to it if you are not careful. It is always best to have asbestos in your work of living space handled by a professional. ACM Services, Inc. has been removing asbestos for over 30 years and we can help you with your home or business.
For more info, check out asbestos.com