In the past, asbestos was a popular construction product. It is a mineral made from thin fibers, often found in insulation. Unfortunately, when damaged, the fibers become airborne and become dangerous to anyone who inhales them. After years, people can develop mesothelioma due to exposure.
According to the Mesothelioma Center, homes built before 1980 may have an exposure risk. Asbestos may become a concern if you plan to engage in any DIY renovations.
Removing popcorn ceiling
Most people agree that popcorn ceiling looks outdated. If you have an older home, you may feel eager to scrape away the popcorn as quickly as possible. In older construction, popcorn concealed asbestos. Instead of removing popcorn texture yourself, you should have an asbestos professional. The fibers can slip through dust masks.
Drilling into drywall
When building homes, people used to use asbestos in the drywall. If you have an older home, drilling into your walls could disturb the fibers. If you own an older home with drywall, you may want to know if it includes asbestos to ensure fibers do not escape into your home while drilling holes for pictures or other decor.
Cutting pipe insulation
Older pipes may begin to deteriorate over time. To keep your plumbing in working shape, you have to replace the pipes and insulation. Construction professionals used to wrap pipes with asbestos insulation. When you cut through the insulation, you release fibers into the air.
It is possible to obtain at-home testing kits to ensure that your renovations will not disrupt asbestos. Do not touch it if you think you may have asbestos in your home.
