Asbestos has still not been banned in the USA, although it is generally no longer used in the construction of domestic buildings. However, not all homes are brand new. Some buildings may be many years or even decades old.
Asbestos material was a popular choice during the 1980s and if your home was built around this period, it is possible that you have been exposed. Asbestos exposure can result in the development of a condition known as mesothelioma, a debilitating form of lung cancer.
If asbestos is in your home, where will you find it? And if you do make an unwanted discovery, what can you do about it?
Any area that is tiled
Asbestos material was used frequently in tiles during the 1970s and 80s. Importantly, this means ceiling tiles, floor tiles and wall tiles. If your home contains any sort of tiled surface that is several years old, it might be worth trying to obtain more knowledge about the exact materials that were used.
Other surfaces
Even if there are no tiled surfaces in your home, asbestos might still be present. The dangerous substance was commonly mixed with cement for drywalling. If wall material containing asbestos becomes loose through drilling or building work, then your lungs are exposed and your health is placed in jeopardy.
Pipework
Heat preservation not only adds to comfort, but it is an excellent cost-saving strategy. Well, in the 1970s and 80s, one of the more popular ways to preserve heat was to insulate hot water pipes. At the time, plumbers believed that asbestos was one of the most efficient ways to insulate pipework, so it was used with frequency. Unfortunately, many of these insulated pipes are still around and if asbestos particles become loose in the air, those within the vicinity are placed at risk.
If your home is over 30 years old, then you are especially at risk of asbestos exposure. If you find out that you have been exposed, it is best to seek medical help and research your legal options.