Asbestos is a dangerous material. Therefore, you want to make sure that you try to protect yourself and your family from exposure to it.
Here is what you can do to protect yourself from asbestos exposure.
How to identify potentially dangerous materials
Generally, the only way to tell if a material has asbestos in it is if the manufacturer labeled it. If you suspect that something may contain asbestos, it is best to leave it alone.
If you plan to remodel or your home contains damaged materials, you should have it inspected by a professional. These individuals know what to search for when looking for asbestos and will take samples from suspicious materials to identify them. Sampling materials is dangerous. Therefore, you should not attempt it yourself.
What to do if you have it in your home
First things first, do not panic. If no one has damaged or disturbed the materials, they do not pose significant health risks. As long as they are in good condition, you should leave them alone.
What to not do when there is asbestos in your house
If you have it in your home, you should not do the following:
- Dust, sweep or vacuum the materials
- Saw, sand, scrap or drill into them
- Use abrasive cleaners on asbestos floors
- Sand or level asbestos floors
- Move the materials throughout your house
These activities can all cause asbestos particles to get into the air, which makes them dangerous to your health.
If you develop mesothelioma due to asbestos in your home, you may be eligible for compensation. Be sure to document your case so that you can fight for the funds to pay for your treatment.
