Homes that were built before 1980 may contain asbestos. This dangerous substance can be found in the insulation, flame retardant coatings, floor tiles or backing materials, sprayed on ceilings or patches used in the wall or ceiling joints of the home. Before beginning any renovations on a home that may contain asbestos, it’s important to have it tested for this material.
Potential Risks
Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause a number of health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer and a type of cancer called mesothelioma as well as other lung conditions. As long as the fibers aren’t airborne, there isn’t a lot of risk from the asbestos that could be present in the home. However, making any changes could cause the asbestos to deteriorate or send dust containing asbestos into the air. Some asbestos-containing items are more likely to release fibers into the air than others, with spray-on ceilings being riskier than floor tiles, pipe insulation or house siding, for example. The level of risk depends on how tightly bound the asbestos fibers are, as those that are loosely bound in a product are more likely to release their fibers into the air and cause health problems.
Asbestos Abatement in Brooklyn
The first step involved is to have a certified professional test the home for asbestos. This professional will determine whether abatement, which involves encasing or encapsulating the asbestos, is an option or whether any asbestos must be fully removed. Removal is typically required when the materials containing the asbestos are damaged or if the building is going to be demolished or renovated in such a way that could disturb the asbestos. Any attempt at Asbestos Abatement in Brooklyn should only be done by licensed professionals due to the potential health risks should it be done improperly. Special equipment needs to be used, and the whole area must be sealed off to make sure any asbestos dust isn’t transferred to other areas of the home. Even the vacuum cleaner that is used for cleanup after the removal is done must be a special type that contains a filter for asbestos. A regular vacuum with a HEPA filter isn’t sufficient for this purpose.
