The asbestos danger is a widely known phenomenon, as well as a known carcinogen, responsible for causing mesothelioma cancer. Easily found in homes and buildings built before the 1980’s, there is a high-risk factor when it comes to being in an asbestos infested structure.
For anyone owning a home, knowing this is especially important when it comes to cleaning. We see cleaning as a mundane, fail-safe, harmless task. Besides the chemicals we use to clean the dirt and grime accumulated in our homes, asbestos is another danger you have to look out for. When you own a house as opposed to an apartment, maintenance is a requirement, and this means going into the attic, basement, being exposed to heating, piping, and insulation. The house owner is more exposed to the interior structures than the apartment owner.
We have compiled a list of places to look out for when cleaning your home. This is very important in order to keep your family’s exposure risk low, and to keep everyone safe. Knowing where exposure can take place, is vital to your health.
Asbestos Danger in Windows & Doors
The caulking of windows and doors required using products that contained asbestos due to its strong properties in terms of insulation, and weather proofing. If your home was built before the 80’s, and you notice the caulking around windows and doors beginning to chip, make sure to have it checked out by a professional such as A&D Demolition.
Floor Tiles
As many of us can remember, linoleum and vinyl flooring were extremely popular due to their ease of installation for the contractor, and ease of cleaning for the homeowner. It is also easily customizable and readily available in a variety of colours, designs, thicknesses and textures.
Heating, Metal Pipes & Ductwork
Many heated pipes are covered in asbestos containing materials to keep the heat in, and further, insulate the heat from escaping. Do not attempt to make cuts into or clean these outer-layer materials without the help of an asbestos professional. They will come in with the right tools, protective wear, and knowledge, most importantly, to safely eliminate these toxic materials from your pipes.
Wall & Ceiling Insulation
The most popular and widely known location for the dreaded asbestos – walls and ceilings. Asbestos was used as insulation, soundproof aid, and provided great flame retardant properties. It seemed like the perfect material in home construction until studies proved otherwise. You can easily contact a professional to have your home evaluated, and in turn, have the peace of mind of knowing that you are breathing clean air.
Wallpaper
That’s right, wallpaper. Before the 1980’s, a lot of the vinyl wallpapers on the market contained asbestos in the adhesive. If your wallpaper’s edges have peeled, cracked or curled, you can have a professional test the back for harmful asbestos-containing materials. They can then take the appropriate steps of removing it and painting over the surface.
Eliminating the potential asbestos danger from your home or building is vital to living a healthy life. Breathing is something many of us overlook and take for granted, and ensuring you are breathing clean, quality air is twice as important. Contact A&D Demolition for more information, if you have any questions or would like a consultation. Our experts have years of experience and will ensure the job gets done efficiently, and with the highest industry standard of safety and cleanliness.