Asbestos is a mineral substrate found in certain types of rocks. Due to its insulation and fire resistant properties the naturally occurring mineral was used in home construction between the mid-1970s and late 1980s. The use of asbestos as a construction material reduced significantly when it was discovered that it causes serious diseases and health complications when it is inhaled.
Some old homes also contain vermiculate, a gravel like product which was used as an insulating material in homes before the 1990s. The largest supply of vermiculate in the United States was a mine which was highly contaminated by asbestos.
Health Hazard
Asbestos is considered harmless when left in good condition. The material however produces small breathable particles that can cause severe damage to the lungs. Some of the health problems that may result from inhaling microscopic asbestos are:
Cancer of the mesothelium Pleural plaques Damage to the chest cavity
The worst asbestos related health effects are caused by long term exposure to the airborne substance for example during the demolition, remodelling or decontamination of a house containing asbestos. Exposure to low levels of asbestos such as living in a room containing asbestos does not pose a serious health risk as long as the material is not handled in any way.
How to Identify Asbestos in a House
There are various common areas where asbestos can be found:
Attic insulation
Window glazing and caulking
Roofing material
Siding material
Various forms of paint
The plaster
While it is possible to see asbestos, visual inspection alone is not enough to determine whether a house is contaminated. The presence of asbestos in a house can only be confirmed after samples have been analysed in a certified laboratory.
Hire a certified asbestos professional to carefully collect samples in your house. This will reduce the chances of asbestos contamination in your home. Once the samples have been collected, they can be tested using one of two methods: Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) and Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) which are the two approved methods of analysis.
Buying or Selling Houses Containing Asbestos
In many states and countries, a home seller has a legal obligation to inform a potential buyer whether or not a house contains asbestos. While this might lower the value of a house, a seller might decide to cover asbestos containing surfaces to reduce the probability of contamination. Sellers can also hire the services of licensed asbestos professionals to decontaminate a house by insulating or repairing asbestos containing materials.
Dealing with Asbestos in a House
Decontamination of houses containing asbestos should only be done by a certified asbestos professional. The method used to deal with asbestos in a house depends on certain factors such as: where the asbestos is located, whether it is non-friable or friable and the condition of the substance.
Asbestos can either be covered or removed from a house. In most cases, the asbestos containing material is covered using an air tight barrier to prevent potential damage. Removal of asbestos should only be done by a certified asbestos professional as it poses a high risk of asbestos contamination.
The presence of asbestos and vermiculite in a house can make home selling a stressful experience. With proper guidance and management however these issues can easily be dealt with in order to ensure that home selling is a successful and profitable venture.
No comments:
Post a Comment