The landscape in much of our country is dotted with many charming older homes. All homes, both old and new require maintenance and upkeep from time to time - replacing shingles, pipes, furnaces, roofs, relining chimneys... etc. Those of us living in older homes are more vulnerable to potential hidden dangers that can gravely affect our health and well-being. There's been a big movement to educated the general public about lead poisoning. Lead was used in many things from pipes to paint until it was banned in 1978. Another danger that lurks in many of our homes is asbestos. Many of us are aware of asbestos and its dangers, yet there are still too many out there who are not.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used commercially for its desirable physical properties. It became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability. Asbestos mining began more than 4,000 years ago. For a long time, the world's largest asbestos mine was the Jeffrey mine in the town of Asbestos, Quebec.
Asbestos has been used in homes, offices, and heavy machinery.
If your home was built before 1980 there is a great likelihood that it contains some form of asbestos can be found in: Furnaces
Vinyl flooring
Wall and attic insulation
Ceilings
Pipes
Roofing
Shingles
Window caulking and glazing
Plaster
Siding
If your home was built before 1980 there is a great likelihood that it contains some form of asbestos can be found in: Furnaces
Vinyl flooring
Wall and attic insulation
Ceilings
Pipes
Roofing
Shingles
Window caulking and glazing
Plaster
Siding
In the late 1970s Asbestos was declared, after many decades of study by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to be directly linked to serious and life threatening illnesses such as cancer. In fact cancer from asbestos has its own name, mesothelioma, also known as the "asbestos cancer."
The problem arises when the fibres become airborne. But age, wear and tear can cause asbestos to break down and therefore fibers can become airborne. It's important, if you live in an older home, especially if you have young children, to have your home inspected by a professional. If asbestos is found and is intact there is little cause for concern. Never touch asbestos yourself. Your asbestos will need to be removed or resealed by a skilled professional.
The problem arises when the fibres become airborne. But age, wear and tear can cause asbestos to break down and therefore fibers can become airborne. It's important, if you live in an older home, especially if you have young children, to have your home inspected by a professional. If asbestos is found and is intact there is little cause for concern. Never touch asbestos yourself. Your asbestos will need to be removed or resealed by a skilled professional.
You can choose to have your asbestos sealed. A sealant will be applied in coats. This will bind them permanently so that even if the asbestos is disturbed the fibres won't be released. If it turns out that you need to have your asbestos removed, please do not try to do this by yourself. Although expensive, this should be left to the professionals.
According to the Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, "mesothelioma, also known as asbestos cancer, is a rare but deadly disease which affects the pleura (a thin lining surrounding the lungs) and other parts of the body. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, naturally occurring minerals which were widely used in various industries for their fire-resistant properties. The most common form of this cancer is lung mesothelioma, which is also known as pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can also attack the lining of the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritoneal mesothelioma. Additionally, mesothelioma cancer sometimes affects the pericardium, a sac which surrounds the heart, as well as other organs in the body.
The development of mesothelioma is a drawn-out process, which makes it hard to diagnose and treat. On average, it takes decades for the symptoms of mesothelioma to surface. Mesothelioma can mask its presence because its symptoms resemble those of more common respiratory illnesses. By the time a doctor orders a battery of tests to look for mesothelioma, it is usually too late to treat the cancer effectively. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, or a combination of both. As mesothelioma advances to its final stage, symptoms can become more severe and typically include severe chest and lung pain, bloating, coughing up blood, difficulty in swallowing, or buildup of fluid in the chest cavity. Extreme tiredness, lack of appetite, and subsequent weight loss, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, night sweats, and fever."
For more on asbestos and mesothelioma contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.
The development of mesothelioma is a drawn-out process, which makes it hard to diagnose and treat. On average, it takes decades for the symptoms of mesothelioma to surface. Mesothelioma can mask its presence because its symptoms resemble those of more common respiratory illnesses. By the time a doctor orders a battery of tests to look for mesothelioma, it is usually too late to treat the cancer effectively. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, or a combination of both. As mesothelioma advances to its final stage, symptoms can become more severe and typically include severe chest and lung pain, bloating, coughing up blood, difficulty in swallowing, or buildup of fluid in the chest cavity. Extreme tiredness, lack of appetite, and subsequent weight loss, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, night sweats, and fever."
For more on asbestos and mesothelioma contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.
Jessica
images:
1: MLS, New Canaan, CT , 2: Better Homes and Gardens, 3: Mark D Sikes
Note: I was contacted by the Mesothelioma Lawyer Center and am posting this on their behalf.