Many homes built before the 1980s could contain asbestos. If you’re moving into a renovated house, the previous owners likely already removed the threat. If not, you need to be careful around this dangerous substance. Exposing yourself or your family could have serious consequences. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find asbestos in your home.
Never Remove Asbestos Yourself
If you believe you have asbestos in your home, contact a professional to remove it. Asbestos exposure can cause harmful side effects to you and your family. Don’t go anywhere near the dangerous stuff. Avoid sweeping, vacuuming, or dusting any debris you may think is asbestos. Everyone needs to take this tip seriously because there’s no such thing as a safe level of exposure.
The Appearance of Asbestos
In its natural form, asbestos can appear in various colors, such as blue, green, brown, and white, as it becomes processed and breaks down into fluffy fibers. Homeowners can find it in insulation, pipes, and other places. Popcorn ceilings typically contain asbestos, so test a popcorn ceiling for asbestos before removing it.
This substance isn’t easy to find by sight alone. Small asbestos fibers from household products can become mixed with other materials, like cement, paint, or plastic. Seeing fibers sticking out of a product doesn’t necessarily mean it’s asbestos.
Turn to professionals for asbestos testing to know for sure. It’s the only true way to see if you have asbestos in your house.
Best Way To Handle Asbestos
Hiring professionals is the ONLY way to handle asbestos. Yes, you can send in samples for testing, but the best route is to have professionals come to your home to collect the pieces themselves. If you suspect your insulation or another material contains asbestos, don’t touch it! Touching it releases toxins into the air—this exposure isn’t good for anyone.
If you’re moving into an older home, have the house tested before moving in or beginning remodeling. These tests can clear out the toxic substance from your home, leaving you with a toxin-free space.
Asbestos isn’t anything to mess around with, as you’ve discovered. Contact a professional immediately if you believe you’ve found the substance in your home. You’ll be thankful you did.
