By Vance Neely
Asbestos exposure often occurs at workplaces. However, during home improvement and remodeling projects, the chances of asbestos exposure are also high. This is because most of the homes and buildings that need renovation and improvement are old, and the materials used during construction contained asbestos. During the renovation process, disturbance leads to asbestos dust and fibers being airborne, making it dangerous to the workers and the people around.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure During Home Improvement
Home remodeling and improvements are vital in keeping the house in order and raising its value in the market. As a homeowner or real estate investor, you want the efforts put into the properties to be productive. This is why considering home improvement projects become crucial. As much as this might be a sound decision to make, the process can prove dangerous to the workers and people around.
When there is a disturbance, the asbestos fibers are released, and you get to inhale them. The fibers are then lodged in the airways and linings of the lungs. When there is an accumulation of asbestos fibers, internal tissue damages are experienced. With time, you develop health conditions such as pleural effusions and diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. A disease such as malignant mesothelioma is aggressive and spreads faster in the body. It is usually detected late when the effects are unmanageable.
Asbestos-Containing Products to Avoid During Home Improvement
There are several areas to consider for the home improvement project to be effective. However, most of these areas contain products and materials made with asbestos and should be carefully handled. Asbestos-containing materials to avoid during home improvement are:
- Roof coatings
- Cement shingle sidings
- Wood stoves and fireplaces
- Furnace, pipe, and attic insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Corrugated sheets
Until the areas are confirmed to be asbestos-free, it is crucial to avoid them and reduce the risks of exposure.
Asbestos Spotting and Removal during Home Improvement
When handling remodeling projects for older homes built before the 1980s, make sure to include a plan for removing every trace of asbestos before taking any further steps. Consider hiring the services of a licensed asbestos removal company, as this helps you avoid the associated risks. When you know and understand where the asbestos is in the home, keeping the fibers contained and preventing exposure becomes possible. Even when there is a disturbance, the workers can take safety measures and protect themselves.
It is beneficial to consider asbestos abetment services as you get to work with skilled and experienced professionals who strive to reduce the level of asbestos exposure. Quality and effective tools and equipment are used during the asbestos removal process, making the home improvement project productive. Remember, it is not worth risking your health, so you should let the experts handle the asbestos removal process before proceeding with the improvement project.
The risk of asbestos exposure during home improvement is high. This is especially when you are working on older homes and buildings. Most of these older homes were built using asbestos-containing materials. Once the materials are disturbed, the asbestos fibers and dust are released into the air and cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma when inhaled. Through asbestos removal, you can handle home improvement while protecting your health at the same time. A reputable asbestos abetment company guides and helps you remove and clean up the minerals.
Looking for a renovation contractor in Singapore? Here’s why you need one, what we offer, and how we can help you achieve your design goals.
