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If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve heard about the dangers of asbestos. However, not many people know what asbestos is and what makes it so hazardous. Residents in Atlanta are generally at more risk of exposure since there aren’t strong regulations for removing it.
Continue reading to learn about the dangers of this toxic material and how to know if you’re at risk of exposure.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that consists of soft heat-resistant fibers. It’s known to be inexpensive, resistant to corrosion, and has become infamous for causing a wide range of severe health problems.
Many builders used to opt for it for their projects because it works as a fantastic insulator. People could insulate their homes for an extremely low cost. However, the price to pay for long-term exposure certainly isn’t worth it.
Over time, it can cause scarred tissue, lung disease, and even cancer. Make sure to contact local companies for asbestos removal Atlanta if you suspect it’s in your home.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
When asbestos materials are disturbed, the fibers can enter the air and make it toxic. Health risks due to the toxic material are relatively rare, but they still exist. Furthermore, it’s hard to detect asbestos-related health conditions right away. They typically remain dormant for years until it’s too late to do anything.
Here are some of the health conditions caused by exposure:
- Lung Cancer. Lung cancer caused by asbestos appears the same as cancer caused by smoking or other causes. It’s severe cancer and is almost always terminal.
- Asbestosis. Asbestosis causes extreme scarring on the lungs and is typically due to long-term exposure. Construction workers and contractors are more at risk of developing asbestosis if they don’t follow safety protocols.
- Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer that affects the pleura (lining of the lungs). Almost all cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure.
How to Detect Asbestos in Atlanta Homes
While the thought of asbestos in your home can be frightening, you don’t need to panic. It only becomes hazardous when disturbed. In other words, it’s more likely to be around when you’re about to do a home renovation project, or your building materials are deteriorating.
If you plan to renovate your house or suspect your building materials are damaged, contact a professional to test your home for asbestos.
Some of the areas that commonly contain hazardous materials are:
- Floor tiles
- Basement/attic insulation
- Roof shingles
- Hot water pipes
- Walls
It’s important to note that most homes built before 1975 used asbestos. So, if you live in an older home, your risk of exposure is much higher. If you find that your home in Atlanta does contain the material, don’t touch it or remove it yourself.
The EPA claims that attempting to remove the material without the proper gear and experience can be extremely dangerous. As a result, it’s always better to leave it to a professional.
Conclusion
No doubt, the thought of asbestos exposure can be terrifying. However, it’s rare to encounter it in modern and well-kept homes. That said, you should still have your home in Atlanta tested if you’re planning to renovate.
