Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once lauded for its fire-resistant properties, is now infamous for its serious health risks. Found in many older buildings, it can pose a significant hazard when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. This can occur when homeowners are doing renovations or during natural disasters such as flooding, when the material containing asbestos is disturbed.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure
If your older home has materials containing asbestos that have become worn down, there could be consistent asbestos contamination that could pose a serious health risk. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has been linked to severe respiratory conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a cancer that forms in the tissue surrounding internal organs.
Homeowners and building managers should be vigilant about the presence of asbestos in older structures, specifically those built prior to 1980. Asbestos can be found in attic and wall insulation, textured paint or ceilings, linoleum flooring, and other common places in older homes. Have a professional inspect your home or building for asbestos if you suspect your home contains contaminated materials.
Asbestos Removal and Safety Measures
If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it’s crucial to avoid disturbing it, as this can release dangerous fibers into the air. The safest approach is to contact a certified asbestos professional who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate action.
Asbestos removal and abatement are complex processes that require licenses and insurance, specialized knowledge and equipment. A professional will conduct thorough inspections, use proper containment methods, and dispose of the material responsibly to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
SMART Environmental Asbestos Abatement
SMART Environmental Services offers professionally licensed asbestos abatement services for the Kansas City area, including Overland Park and Olathe Kansas. Contact us today for more information about the risks of asbestos, or to schedule an inspection of your home.
Posted in Asbestos Abatement
