Starting in the 1800’s, Asbestos was added to THOUSANDS of products due to it’s unique properties – impervious to chemicals, high tensile strength, fire resistance, poor heat electrical conductivity.
Asbestos is pretty much awesome….except for one big problem.
Exposure to asbestos fibers has adverse health effects.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has a very informative site for you to review at http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos.
Where asbestos may be found according to the USEPA web site –
- Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite
- Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives
- Roofing and transite siding shingles
- Textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceilings
- Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets
- Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape
- Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation
- Heat-resistant fabrics
- Automobile clutches and brakes
Pretty much all over your house.
Furthermore EPA states that,
“Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.”
Keep your family safe. If your home was built prior to 1985 have materials that may be disturbed tested by a licensed asbestos inspection BEFORE renovations begin. Shortcuts that negatively impact your family’s heath are not worth it.