Asbestos Dangers in Older Homes

25 Mar 2022

Asbestos Dangers in Older Homes

Asbestos was a commonly used material in older homes, but we now know just how dangerous it can be. Intact asbestos doesn’t pose a serious health risk. However, when it degrades over time or becomes damaged it releases fibres into the air. These fibres pose a serious risk to your health.


Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found


It was commonly used in wall insulation. It was also used to insulate boilers, pipes, and ductwork. Asbestos containing insulation board was used for walls and ceiling tiles. It was also sprayed onto steel, concrete, and ceilings to provide insulation and fire protection.


How It Becomes Dangerous


Water damage and the fibres breaking down over time can make asbestos dangerous. Many home improvement projects can also damage the asbestos making it dangerous. Drilling, cutting, or simply hanging a picture on a wall that contains asbestos can make the fibres airborne.



What Is The Danger?


Asbestos exposure has been linked to several very serious diseases. Mesothelioma is cancer in the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately by the time this lung cancer is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal. It also causes the same type of lung cancer that smoking does. Asbestosis is caused by chronic exposure to asbestos. It makes it hard for the affected individual to breathe, and can be fatal in some cases. Pleural Thickening is a condition in which asbestos exposure causes the tissue of the lungs to thicken and swell. It can cause chest pain and shortness of breathe.


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