Avoiding Asbestos
Toxic chemicals can be found everywhere we look, especially in the home. Even if you’ve diligently worked to remove toxic products from your family’s life, remodeling your home can release all sorts of dangerous substances, particularly if it’s an older home. We’ve covered the potential dangers of lead paint here (link to GUG) but asbestos is also a cause for concern.
As we say time and time again, toxic chemicals can be found everywhere we look, especially in the home. Even if you’ve diligently worked to remove toxic products from your family’s life, remodeling your home can release all sorts of dangerous substances, particularly if it’s an older home. We’ve covered the potential dangers of lead paint and vinyl flooring and wallpaper but asbestos is also a cause for concern. A recent Australian study showed an increase in mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, linked to DIY home renovation projects.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was incorporated into thousands of products until the 1980s because of its excellent insulating and fireproofing characteristics. However, when the tiny particles become airborne, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause all sorts of problems.
Health and safety regulations concerning the use of asbestos in products began to surface in the 1970’s and 1980’s, so older homes in particular may still have asbestos-containing materials. Possible sources include:
- Adhesives
- Asbestos ceiling and floor tiles
- Vinyl products
- Cement
- Insulation
- Roofing materials
- Floor backing and dry wall taping compounds
While your home may contain asbestos, remember that it’s the airborne particles that are hazardous. For example, asbestos cement is not itself a health hazard, but cracking and removing it would release possibly dangerous particles into the air.
For more information, check out a complete list of products containing asbestos, thanks to The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com.
