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Tips for Avoiding Asbestos During Home Renovations

6/6/2019

67 Comments

 
​Since its debut in 1994, HGTV has changed the way Americans think about home renovations. From elaborate remodels to do-it-yourself decorating, homeowners turn to the latest home shows for inspiration and education, and rehabbing older homes is a growing trend. Beneath the surface lurks a hidden danger that poses a serious health threat, and that is asbestos. 
Picture
 What is asbestos? 
It is a natural fiber that has been used for thousands of years. Valued for its resistance to fire, affordability, and longevity, it became popular in the United States around the turn of the 20th century and reached its peak during World War II. Although there are records of slaves in ancient Greece becoming ill after mining the mineral, it took scientists much longer to prove its hazards. In the 1970s, the U.S. passed laws to restrict its use, but some countries still use it in products they export. Homes built before 1980 are likely to have questionable products. 

The fibers can cause several illnesses, but the most serious is mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. It is most common in the lungs, and there is no cure. It takes 20 years or longer to develop, and people who have the illness may not even realize they have been exposed to the fibers. The first wave of victims included military veterans, followed by a second wave of construction workers. The third wave includes families who lived in homes during renovations or those who did the renovations themselves. 
​Which products are dangerous? 
Many older homes have siding or roofing shingles that contain the toxin, and houses dating between 1930 and 1950 may have it in the insulation. Until 1977, manufacturers used it in products like textured paint, popcorn ceilings and compounds used for patching joints. 

As long as the product is not broken or disturbed, it is usually safe, If it is in decay or disrupted by repairs, the fibers enter the air and become dangerous. Certified inspectors can test particles to see if they contain the toxin. If so, homeowners need to follow safety rules and procedures when doing home improvement projects.
What are safe ways of recycling?
The good news is that trained professionals can safely dispose of the mineral. They can even recycle it by using a new thermal process that converts it into silicate glass. Manufacturers then use the glass to make stone or ceramic products. The Environmental Protection Agency has information about everything from identifying the product to safely removing and recycling it. 

What steps should homeowners follow?
Homeowners can keep their families safe by following a few simple rules:
  • Leave the substance alone if it is intact.
  • Re-wrap or cover if it is slightly damaged.
  • Work with a certified handler.
  • Follow federal and local regulations.
  • Never sweep, vacuum or dust fibers.
Are homeowners with a one-time exposure at risk?
The American Cancer Society says people who are exposed at an early age, in large amounts or for a long period of time are at highest risk, but not everyone who is exposed gets a related illness. Factors like genetics or prior radiation treatment may also increase susceptibility to mesothelioma. Although cancer may not show up for as long as 50 years, the risk stays the same after exposure and lasts a lifetime.

Anyone who does a home improvement project should first find out if the building contains toxic substances. If toxins are present, only certified professionals have the resources and skills to remove them safely. While the renovation is in process, residents should avoid the home or use recommended precautions to avoid exposure to airborne fibers. 

No amount of the substance is safe, and its tiny fibers can linger in the air for days before embedding themselves in the lungs. It will be decades before the first generation of home enthusiasts find out if they have fallen prey to asbestos, but they can reduce the odds by being informed and following safety guidelines.
67 Comments

Vivian Black link
10/11/2019 07:03:41 pm

I love how this article elaborated on what products are dangerous such as roofing shingles and sidings on old houses. My husband suspects that we have some asbestos in our home and wants me to find a professional to help. We will keep these tips in mind when we find one and try to find the source.

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Taylor Anderson link
10/22/2019 02:19:53 pm

It's scary that asbestos can cause mesothelioma. My house is really old and needs to be remodeled. What are some ways I can check for asbestos in my home?

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David Johnson link
10/28/2019 09:27:01 am

I didn't know asbestos can cause mesothelioma. My house was built a really long time ago, and we're renovating some of the different parts of it. We'll have to look into asbestos testing.

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Jenna Hunter link
11/5/2019 02:58:49 pm

My uncle has just bought a really old home and he is thinking that it might have asbestos. He wants to make sure that he finds any that is in the home, he would also like to get it removed by a professional if he does find any. I liked what you said about how he should check textured paint, compounds used for patching joints, and popcorn ceiling all might have asbestos in them.

Reply
Skyler Williams link
11/7/2019 09:07:48 am

Thank you for explaining that you are supposed to leave asbestos alone until a professional can remove it. My wife and I are planning on doing some renovations and we were curious about asbestos. I'll be sure to follow this tip once we start the renovations.

Reply
James Borst link
11/7/2019 08:30:56 pm

My neighbor is a photographer and he said that he wears a face mask every time he takes photos in abandoned buildings so he doesn't get sick from asbestos. It is interesting that asbestos was intentionally used because it is fire resistant. I imagine that if I got mesothelioma, that I would reach out to an attorney to help pay for medical attention.

Reply
builders east Auckland link
12/3/2019 04:55:32 am

Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog tips-for-avoiding-asbestos-during-home-renovations and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write again very soon!

Reply
Brad Erwin link
12/13/2019 09:15:07 am

It's good to know that asbestos was used in products like textured paint up to the year 1977. My brother recently moved into a home that was built in 1968 because he loves the old and antique look it holds. I will be sure to recommend he hire an asbestos removal service before starting any renovations so that he can ensure his family isn't exposed to the dangerous toxins.

Reply
Builders Franklin link
12/22/2019 09:13:41 pm

I really appreciate your work especially the research part tips for avoiding asbestos during home renovations of it which made the whole point very easy to understand.

Reply
Ron Booker link
1/9/2020 11:18:31 am

I found it interesting that asbestos is intentionally used because it is fire resistant. My friend was making dome home improvements and came across asbestos, and he wants to get rod off it. I will let him know the use of it, and to reach out to experts because it could cause mesothelioma.

Reply
Access Doors and Panels link
1/24/2020 03:42:43 am

Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos-containing material. Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.


Reply
Greta James link
2/3/2020 06:36:15 pm

Thank you for informing me that professionals can get rid of asbestos safely but that a homeowner should never mess with the substance without proper understanding and caution. Yesterday, I was talking to my sister, and she mentioned that she is thinking of remodeling her old home. I wonder if she should get the walls tested first before she starts messing with the insulation. I would think professionals that have to get certified and retested are more qualified.

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Rita Sanders link
3/27/2020 01:45:56 pm

It's good to know that you should just leave the substance alone if it's intact because we might have asbestos in our walls. We want to knock them down to remodel our kitchen but we definitely don't want to do that if there's asbestos in the wall! My husband suggested finding a professional to remove it and I think it's a good idea.

Reply
Mike Sanders link
5/4/2020 08:29:45 am

It's good to know that the fibers in asbestos can become dangerous if disrupted. My sister has been telling me about how she wants to get an addition made to her house, and she wants to make sure that her family remains safe. I'll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for professionals who can help her with this.

Reply
Design and Build link
5/17/2020 09:49:30 am

Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos-containing material. Don't dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. Don't saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials. Don't use abrasive pads, brushes or power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring.

Reply
New Home Builders Christchurch link
6/26/2020 04:02:59 am

Perform air monitoring and keep records... Complete regular assessments of asbestos risks.... Communicate asbestos hazards to workers... Use proper work practices and controls to limit exposures... Offer respiratory protection if exposure limits are exceeded.... I have also found this resource petesconstruction.co.nz/services/new-home-construction useful and its related to what you are mentioning.

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Plasterers Wellington link
7/1/2020 12:16:33 am

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Plasterers Christchurch link
8/29/2020 02:22:14 am

These are some great tips for avoiding asbestos during home renovations. that you have discussed here. I really loved it and thank you very much for sharing this with us. You have a great visualization and you have really presented this content in a really good manner. This ptcladding.co.nz is very useful and its related to what you have actually mentioned here

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9/10/2020 07:57:33 am

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12/29/2020 02:19:47 am

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Small No Consent Build Auckland link
12/31/2020 01:19:04 am

The blog is addressing on the tips for avoiding asbestos during home renovations. Such content must be made more and more available. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative. I love this article, thanks for producing such great contents. I love your posts always.

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Tez link
1/19/2021 06:07:02 pm

I like what you said about recycling ceramic. I need to get a contractor who can rework our aluminum. I need someone with warranty offers.

Reply
SmartBox Self Storage link
1/19/2021 07:48:26 pm

This is why we need to remove our stuff or belongings while renovating. Imagine breathing in some asbestos fibres that we didn't notice on some surfaces of our belongings. This is why we need to take some precautionary methods while renovating. We can call some professionals that can store our belongings for a sort amount of time.

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ajstyle18 link
2/3/2021 03:15:33 am

The Facts That Have Been Discussed Here Are Really Important. Thank You So Much For Sharing A Great Post.

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TAN VIR link
3/1/2021 05:46:06 am

Hi there
this is very important and informative article.

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Robert T. Ball link
3/15/2021 09:08:37 pm

Thanks for sharing the tips understanding moisture content and wood movement . I am using this to make others understand.

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Riaz link
4/18/2021 10:51:39 pm

I think its a great idea. From elaborate remodels to do-it-yourself decorating, homeowners turn to the latest home shows for inspiration and education, and rehabbing older homes is a growing trend. There's lot of information to learn about home improvement.

Reply
Thomas Clarence link
7/30/2021 01:13:49 pm

It was really informative when you mentioned that asbestos fibers can cause several illnesses. My brother wants to renovate his home. I will have to tell him that he needs to have it tested for asbestos first.

Reply
Tez link
8/2/2021 03:25:25 pm

Great tip about how older homes may have toxins in their insulation. I need to get a contractor who can remodel the kitchen. I want to make sure that I can breathe inside without getting asbestos.

Reply
Chance Cook link
8/10/2021 09:09:54 am

I want a professional to come out and tell me if the asbestos particles in my home have toxins or not. If they do, I'll have my kids go to the hospital. You can never be too cautious about that kind of stuff.

Reply
Adam Golightly link
8/10/2021 09:13:20 am

My aunt bought an old home, but she wants to get some renovations done to make the place more comfortable. She would really like to have any asbestos in the home removed by a professional to prevent any accidents. I liked what you said about how fibers will only enter the air when the fibers are broken, or disturbed.

Reply
Vintage and Specialty Wood link
8/24/2021 04:24:56 am

I think, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed by remodeling, for example will not release asbestos fibers.

Reply
Eve Mitchell link
8/24/2021 04:17:18 pm

I didn't know that asbestos was used in textured paint in other things. I am looking to get my home inspected for asbestos. I want to make sure that my family is safe.

Reply
Grand Rapids Remodeling Pros link
9/16/2021 05:40:05 am

Very helpful tips. Thanks for sharing! Buying a new home isn’t the best option when you can just have your current home remodeled. With our house remodeling service, you can actually achieve your dream home without the headache of the home buying and selling process!

Reply
Braden BIlls link
9/16/2021 06:59:19 am

I'm planning on renovating an old home, but I'm concerned that there might be asbestos. It makes sense that I would want to work with a professional to help me out with removing it. They would be able to ensure that I put everything together properly.

Reply
Manly West home renovations link
9/24/2021 02:24:07 am

A few of the benefits of remodeling your home include completing a well-deserved upgrade to the space you call home and increasing your home’s resale value.

Reply
Mia Evans link
10/8/2021 10:55:35 pm

Thanks for helping me understand that anyone planning to have a kitchen remodeling project needs to understand that there are toxins that might be present around. With that in mind, we must hire professionals for kitchen remodeling services. It's to ensure that we don't get exposed to asbestos now that we want that room to be more spacious this year.

Reply
Deck builders Richmond va link
10/11/2021 11:00:44 pm

In the era of do-it-yourself home renovations, many homeowners are knocking down ceilings and walls, and tearing out floor tiles and old pipes. But in their efforts to upgrade and beautify their older homes, they might unknowingly be contaminating the air they breathe with toxic asbestos fibers.

Reply
kitchen flooring denver link
10/17/2021 12:37:01 am

Thank god I found your article, thank you for sharing. Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of thin fibers. When residential construction products made with asbestos are damaged, those fibers become airborne and could pose a danger to anyone who inhales the toxic dust.

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10/19/2021 07:01:59 am

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3/2/2022 01:11:39 am

When it comes to renovating your home, asbestos is one of the most commonly hidden hazards. If not properly handled, it can lead to serious illness and even death.

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Victoria Addington link
3/16/2022 11:35:35 pm

It captivated me when you wrote that the ones to have questionable products that contain asbestos are those homes that are built before 1980. My brother will be interested to know more about it since he is curios about asbestos. He even wants to take some asbestos safety training to widen his knowledge about the topic.

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7/10/2022 03:57:00 pm

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7/21/2022 09:42:18 pm

Excellent air circulation makes your home cozy under normal circumstances, but it exacerbates the dust issue during renovations. Keep windows open if you can, and turn off the air conditioning and heating in work areas to reduce the spread of dust and debris throughout a project.

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8/5/2022 09:13:11 pm

I like that you said that several illnesses from the fibers of asbestos could affect you, you should remove them. My best friend told me yesterday that he and his business associates were hoping to find a service that could transport asbestos waste from their building materials, and he asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to do. Thank you for this informative article, I'll be sure to tell her that consulting a trusted commercial asbestos removal service can help provide more information about the transportation process and preventative measures.

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