Restoring an old home can be a real joy, but it can also be filled with challenges. Among those challenges is the discovery of hazardous building materials that were used in construction years ago. Let’s take one of those hazardous materials, asbestos. What steps should you take if you suspect it is present in your home?
The first step, before you start any renovation work, is to have a professional inspect your home for asbestos. An asbestos inspection will identify any materials that contain asbestos and determine whether they pose a risk of exposure. If asbestos is present, the inspector can advise you on the best course of action.
If asbestos is discovered in your home, you should not try to remove it yourself. Asbestos removal is a highly specialized process that requires special equipment and training. Only a licensed asbestos removal company should be hired to remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials.
What if you are doing the renovation work yourself? Take precautionary steps to limit the risk of asbestos exposure. Wear protective clothing, including a respirator, gloves, and goggles. Wet down any materials that may contain asbestos before removing them to reduce the number of fibers that become airborne. Use caution when handling materials that may contain asbestos and dispose of them properly.
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