Hiring an asbestos inspector can be crucial in determining if your house has asbestos hidden within its walls. Asbestos is often not easy to see and may be lurking in regular construction materials. If you suspect your house may have asbestos, it is recommended you contact a professional asbestos inspector who specializes in the proper management and removal of the dangerous substance. Leaving asbestos in your home could risk adverse health risks that lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural disease and several cancers. Here’s why you should hire an asbestos abatement contractor, like from Nielsen Environmental, before it’s too late.
Asbestos Is Difficult to Identify
Asbestos is nearly impossible to identify to the untrained eye. Even professionals will take samples of materials that could contain asbestos to have it tested in a lab for confirmation. Asbestos is also found in areas of the house you normally don’t see, like within the walls, ceiling and floors, and you may not know how to access them safely without causing damage to your home or the asbestos.
Disturbing Asbestos Is Dangerous
Looking for asbestos on your own risks moving or breaking apart the asbestos. When this happens, miniscule fibers escape the main chunk of asbestos and travel through the air. When breathed in, these fibers can scar and severely damage the lungs. It is better to leave the asbestos alone and contact a professional who knows how to approach it.
You’re Going to Renovate
Renovations are often the reason a homeowner discovers they have asbestos, particularly in houses that were built before the 90s. Asbestos was a popular construction material during the twentieth century, and it could be found in cement, insulation, pipes, ducts and even window putty because of its durability and strong adhesion. Renovations usually tear out these hidden materials, exposing dangerous asbestos. Hire an inspector to inform you about the asbestos before you unknowingly dig into it.
You’re Buying an Older House
Many people live in houses without realizing asbestos is present. A homeowner trying to sell a house that is older than 60 years may have never done renovations that could inform them of an asbestos danger. If you are going to buy a house that has these traits, contact an asbestos inspector to look at the house before you buy. If it has asbestos, you may be able to get the price of the house lowered or get a guarantee that the current owner will have it removed before the sale.
