How to Identify Asbestos Siding

It was standard practice to use asbestos in homes that were built back in the 19th and 20th centuries and while most people realize the risk of asbestos inside their older homes, what they may not realize is that it was also commonly used in home siding as well. It wasn't until the 1980's when the experts started to suspect that home siding could also pose a serious health risk to home owners.

If you suspect your older home may have asbestos in the siding here are some suggestions to help you identify any problems.

The deed to your home can provide valuable information on when the home was built. If your home was built before 1978 there is a good chance that asbestos was part of the original building materials used to build your home. If the outside of your home still has the original siding you will need to check for damage, if no damage is present it is recommended to leave it in place until you can contact an expert or you run the risk of asbestos exposure.

You should inspect your siding for manufacture information printing, if there is a manufacture code it is unlikely that your siding contains asbestos. It wasn't until after 1980 when manufactures started coding their siding and asbestos was already removed from the manufacturing process. However if your siding has several layers of paint you will need to have a professional take a look at it to determine if the original paint to determine if it contains asbestos.

Siding that looks like roof shingles were common before 1980, and asbestos was often used in the manufacturing. Check the back of the siding for appearances of tar paper, or the front may have a sandy textured or grainy appearance which is an indicator of asbestos.

A lot of manufactures also produced a wood grain texture to simulate cedar. These shingles were usually about 12 to 24 inches and the bottom often had a wavy pattern, although it was just the most popular there were still other patterns produced.

After you have done your own inspection and determined that there is a possibility of asbestos or if you are unsure, you should consult a professional. Manufacturers used to make products from asbestos that actually resembled asbestos-free products which can be confusing to the armature eye.

There are several reputable labs that you can send a sample of your siding to, this is the best way to determine if asbestos is present. Even if you think your siding is ok you should have a sample tested if your home was built before 1980 to ensure your family's health and well-being. Asbestos exposure is the direct cause of mesothelioma cancer.

asbestos plaster

From any person seeking to learn or enhance their skills in home caring and servicing to newbie's who want to grow to be specialist trades-people within the construction industry, you can find courses in plastering, plumbing, tiling, kitchen fitting, designing, bricklaying or construction that you could take. It is very important get the basics down in any of these areas. It continues to be essential when you have started off with your career, to ensure hard work and high quality results are presented with consistency. Building a solid reputation with pleased client base results in recommendations, and a future filled up with possible jobs. Securing plastering contracts after you have proven yourself in the market isn't a far cry.

Plastering jobs is among the most ancient form of handicrafts in constructing practiced by man. It was utilized by the Egyptians in the pyramids as well as the Greeks to paint frescoes. So far, the procedures employed are rather similar. Plaster is employed in architecture, art work, medicine, within the ceramics industry, in fire preventing and also in movies. Plaster is usually utilized by artists to generate molds by making use of wet plaster bandages. For art and external moldings or murals in architecture, it gives a fantastic surface to paint on, although the paint usually must be renewed regularly as a result of evaporation of oils.

Mixing up plaster with water produces heat due to the chemical reaction. Because of this you will need to allow plaster cool before using it as it may cause intense burns. Those who are frequently dealing with plaster also can suffer from silica or asbestos inhalation. Both silica and asbestos are cancer causing carcinogens. Hence, it is essential and recommended that a beginner becomes an apprentice to a qualified plasterer who's experienced in the plastering jobs and will teach him on precisely how to utilize the resources and equipment well. Every decade has had its uses for plaster and thus, for the plastering jobs.

It is also recommended that you simply shadow someone who is known for this sort of work before you begin on your new endeavor. You might even have to brush up on your math and English skills. A little bit of persistence and hard work will take you a long way. Experience counts so after you have a rough idea upon how it works you may also point out that you've already been in this business for a long period before you decide to start something of your own. With the correct approach it is possible to promote yourself in a very subtle and distinctive manner.

Another way to make it big in the Plastering Jobs is to link up with big builders, they'll hire you on every day basis and pay you for all your work you need to do for their construction business. This is mass work that would be given to you. You will additionally have to sign a contract for a period of a year in the beginning, and as in once the work load picks up they may lengthen your deal. Using the right connection you will always have sufficient work to do. Just remember that you ought to know your work well and also have a self powered team to succeed in whatever they do.

Make no bones about it, finding Plumbing Courses in Manchester and securing plastering contracts can be very lucrative if you employ decent business skills. Even with the recession there are plenty of decent plastering giggs around.

Asbestos Removal Costs Residents

Asbestos removal is a very dangerous task, and should only be performed by expert contractors. Even if the dangers don't effect you directly, any adjacent property to you could contain this toxic substance and end up costing you. Residents who own property in some areas will have to fork out more cash after asbestos has been located on-site. Could you be effected by something like this in the future? Or perhaps right now?

Asbestos was used in building constructions in Sydney until it was banned by the NSW government in 1986. In my many years working in the asbestos clean up and building demolition industries around schools and public buildings I have learnt one very important thing. The most important tip you should know is that asbestos removal can be very expensive, and puts many people off renovating and buying a house for fear it might be contaminated. It does not have to be expensive, but the reason people associate expense is because of the health risks exposure to asbestos can cause. The other major advice I can give, and this applies to any service in life, not just when you suspect asbestos in your building is to shop around, get several quotes from several providers, and chose who you like best.

Recently many local Sydney residents have discovered their properties had hidden asbestos materials used in their construction. Pardon the pun, but these residents are likely to have to "cough up" a lot of money to rectify their issue. Due to the nature of councils and the health dangers involved in such issues, there can be high costs for using a professional to do the asbestos removal job properly. It is even thought that there is asbestos in parts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Exposure to asbestos fibres, especially over a prolonged period can cause the health issues asbestosis, and mesothelioma. These are both chronic respiratory diseases with no known cure, and a very high chance of death for those who are diagnosed. For this reason the most important thing you can do is eliminate exposure to these dangerous building materials. If suspect material is found within a property you should have the asbestos removed by licensed professionals as quickly as possible.

Any claims of asbestos in a building, either residential or commercial should be taken very seriously due to the health problems it can cause. Any testing, toxic material identification and subsequent asbestos removal should only ever be conducted by experts, since the material is extremely hazardous to handle. According to the local building industry and public housing representative, asbestos is now being found in many buildings in developed areas and a resort island area in New South Wales during a recent inspection.

Demolition work on one large building has been halted so the council can conduct a full review of the precinct for other deadly asbestos particles. This can be a costly and time consuming activity, but is for the benefit of the communities health.

Residents should be aware as is it consistently confirmed that asbestos is continuously been found often in the old recreation rooms of local resident's buildings especially in island resort structures. It is likely that other buildings in the city, local area and throughout the nearby community, which date back to the 1970s, could also be deemed dangerous. The majority of buildings built during this time used asbestos fibre materials as a safe guard against fire. It was not properly known by the public much later that the material used is linked to health problems including cancer.

For example in a big community, the budget to bankroll the purchase and demolition of a typical resort and it's contaminated neighbouring property and land could be estimated to cost more than $10 million, for the sole purpose of safeguarding against contaminated material.

When getting involved in the operations of one of these cases in an isolated resort town, the asbestos find could impact on the removal of building materials from the property, as standard building materials are a hazard and expense in their own right. Asbestos removal requires many more safe guards, licences and handling procedures to ensure workers and residents do not inhale any of the toxic materials. It is considerably more dangerous than standard demolition work of brick and mortar and plaster material, found standard in most building blocks and construction work.

The material was commonly used in buildings from 1940 to the '80s, and now correctly identifying and removal of asbestos is becoming a widespread issue for residents and commercial buildings alike.

When dealing with asbestos this extra careful handling requires increased costs, and care from a specialist. If you live on an island, isolated property or hard to access location transporting any building materials can be costly, so you could imagine the bill might start to get expensive if they have to remove asbestos. Asbestos waste is expected to be enclosed and removed to avoid future contamination of the site.

It is important you use an expert to remove such hazardous material. Regulations can differ in certain jurisdictions, however in Sydney since January 1st 2008 an asbestos licence is required to remove more than 10 metres squared of bonded asbestos material. A licensed bonded asbestos remover can remove any amount of bonded asbestos material. Licensing for asbestos removalists in Sydney is regulated and administered by Workcover NSW.

Common Asbestos Products in the Home

I intend to discuss the different types of asbestos products and where they may be found in residential properties. It should be considered that in the UK, housing stock still has a large amount of asbestos products present throughout. From textured coatings to cement boiler flues to floor tiles. The HSE recently suggested over 2.4 million homes contained some asbestos products.

On the legal and duty of care issues, it should be pointed out that until proved otherwise all suspect materials should be considered to be asbestos. When any works to a building or part thereof, are to be carried out, a refurbishment or demolition survey is a legal requirement. This survey should identify all asbestos containing materials present and recommend any further action to be taken.

Asbestos Insulation Board. 

This material was mainly used in fire protection, such as in heater cupboards, but is also commonly found in ceiling tiles, partition walls and fireproof panels for fire doors. It can be difficult to spot this type of asbestos as it can look very much like "ordinary" ceiling tiles and partitioning or plasterboard. This is also a highly dangerous material as when broken or disturbed it can easily release fibres. The HSE will allow only very minor works to be carried out to this material. But it is recommended that only license contractors work with this material.

Loose fill asbestos insulation. 

This material was used to insulate in between cavity walls, floorboards and lofts. This material is usually pure asbestos and maybe grey or whitish in colour. It is a fluffy type of material. A large volume of fibres can be released when disturbed and work on this material is by licensed contractors only.

Asbestos cement products. 

This material was used in anything from roofing sheets, guttering and downpipes. Boiler flues and wall cladding. The asbestos has been mixed with cement which does help to prevent dispersal of fibres. A common use was as garage roofs. You do not need a licensed asbestos contractor to work with asbestos cement products as long as you do not exceed control limits. A risk assessment will highlight if the works are likely to exceed the control limits.

Textured coatings. 

This is usually a decorative paint or plaster finish and can be commonly know as "Artex". More often than not these materials will also have been painted over. The danger can be limited as the material is contained but easy release is achieved if sanded down. This must be avoided. Textured coatings have in the past also been applied over the top of asbestos insulation board. Therefore care must still be taken when dealing with this material. You do not need to be a licensed asbestos contractor to work with these materials. You will however need to erect a two stage airlock, and use negative pressure unit as well as the correct PPE.

Floor tiles, toilet cisterns and textiles. 

Vinyl floor tiles can have an asbestos content and can be found under carpet. Composite asbestos products have included toilet cisterns and seats, window sills and bath panels. For the tiles and composite products it may be a question of how long they have been in situ as to whether they contain asbestos. Asbestos textiles can be found behind older fuse boxes.

Asbestos spray coatings. 

This material is found on the underside of ceilings and floors, as fire protection to steelwork and concrete. Considered as one of the most dangerous of the asbestos materials due to the high volume of fibres that can be released when disturbed. Only licensed asbestos contractors may work with this product.

This list is not comprehensive but does cover some of the main products that you may find. It should always be remembered that asbestos was still being used in building products up to the year 2000. If the material is suspect, you must treat it as asbestos. You cannot determine if a product has asbestos content by a visual inspection. The sample must be viewed in a laboratory

asbestos drop ceiling tiles

What should you know about acoustic ceiling tiles as far as what they are and why they are popular? I had heard of acoustic ceiling tiles, but had never bothered to ask what they were until I started looking at installing a ceiling in my basement. I didn't know what they were, but with a little research I was able to find out a lot about acoustic ceiling tiles. Here is some of what I picked up. Take a look so that you will know what they are and whether or not they may be right for you and your ceiling situation.

Acoustic ceiling tiles were originally developed by interior designers who wanted to find a way to lower ceilings in a room while deadening the noise. With a acoustic ceiling tiles, a grid of metal strips is suspended from the room's actual original ceiling. Each of the sound-absorbing acoustic ceiling tiles is dropped into the sections created by the grid. The ceilings, in addition to deadening sound, can also hide unsightly fixtures, wires, and pipes that may be along the ceiling of older buildings and basements.

The popularity of acoustic ceiling tiles reached its height in the '60's up through the early part of the 1980's. Since they originally contained asbestos, the ban on it greatly affected the production of acoustic ceiling tiles in 1978. Many people had to hire specialists to remove the asbestos acoustic ceiling tiles and replace them with alternate materials or restore rooms to their original bare ceilings.

The biggest advantage you will find with acoustic ceiling tiles is that they do damped noise between floors of your home or building. They can also be easily painted so that the ceiling can match the décor or palate of the room. However, there are drawbacks to acoustic ceiling tiles as well. If they get wet, they stain and the pooling water on top can cause them to fall unexpectedly. In addition, acoustic ceiling tiles look terrible when they stain and have to be bleached to get their original look back after water damage. If you do need to replace one of the acoustic ceiling tiles, though, it is pretty easy to do.

Acoustic ceiling tiles can be used to fix up a room fast. You can avoid doing a lot of construction by simply hanging a grid from a bad looking ceiling and hanging some acoustic ceiling tiles. The room will instantly look newer and at a fraction of what you would likely pay to actually have the old ceiling restored or updated in appearance.

For your ceiling needs, only you will be able to tell if you need acoustic ceiling tiles. Consider them, though, if you want to cut down on sound between floors of your home or business without spending a lot of money on the renovation. Acoustic ceiling tiles are easy to replace, cheap to maintain, and will allow you to paint the ceiling to match the rest of the room. When it comes time for your new ceiling, look into acoustic ceiling tiles and you may be surprised at how great your new look will be without spending a lot.

Asbestos In Plaster

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used for industrial applications for the last 1900 years - Yes, 1900 years, ever since the Greeks in the first century discovered asbestos and started to use it for purposes such as heat insulation.

The asbestos fibres are very strong and are 100 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, so you can see what you're up against trying to visibly see if you have asbestos in your home.

Generally it is agreed that that asbestos in plaster is quite safe unless it's disturbed and then you will understand how easy it is to inhale the virtually invisible asbestos fibres. Once inhaled they will stick to your lung wall and can ultimately generate disease and then terminal lung cancer known as Mesothelium.

Asbestos in plaster can be defined into two types - either loosely bound fibre or firmly bound fibre:

For firmly bound asbestos fibres generally these products were made for domestic use in the 1970's and before: (Today, cellulose fibres have replaced asbestos fibres)

Roof shingles

Water or flue pipes

Textured paint

Vinyl floor tiles

The backing of vinyl floor coverings

Flexible building boards

Flat or corrugated sheeting

Plaster ceiling tiles

Plaster acoustic ceiling tiles

Loosely bound Fibres:

Loosely bound asbestos in plaster fibres are also termed 'friable' and were used mainly in older houses for insulation within heaters and stoves. Since asbestos has been off the market, glass fibres have replaced them within insulation products.

What should I do if I identify asbestos in my house?

If the panels or tiles or whatever asbestos you may find is in good condition and painted you really have no reason to fear it as long as it's left alone and not disturbed. If you have asbestos panels outside for cladding, likewise, if they are not broken and painted, no reason to worry. However, if you do have broken panels then they should be replaced. This can be undertaken by professionals, or, yourself if you want to but only if you have the proper protective equipment and they are thoroughly watered down to stop any microscopic fibres from becoming airborne and they are carefully disposed of so not to conflict danger on others as well.

So, if you do have asbestos, it really is better just to keep it where it is, if it's not disturbed because it's a highly skilled and expensive job disposing of it and it really is perfectly safe unless you are remodeling your home, office or factory.

asbesto's pre funding loans

Asbestos cases can last longer than you would have expected. A pre-settlement loan for a personal injury or asbestos litigation claim can help you to obtain the financial funding needed in order to bring your case to a successful end. Lending companies provide tailored lawsuit loans if you meet their qualification profile. The advantages of working together with an accredited lawsuit loan funding company are:

- the majority of them offer so called non recourse funding 

- very fast approval process 

- competitive rates that you can benefit from as a client 

- a broad variety of different funding models 

- they work directly with your attorney to save you the administrative hassle 

- offers can be declined with no additional costs at any time

In summary, if the lending company approves your application, you will receive a cash advance. Once your case has reached a settlement, you will be requested to pay back the loan. However, if you don't win your case, you don't have to pay back anything. A pre settlement funding loan can be a considerable option especially for asbestos victims. Dealing with an asbestos induced disease means that you have to keep up with a whole myriad of expenses, including hospital bills, medical costs, loss of wages, costs for physical therapy, mortgage, rent, car payments and so forth. And I do know what I am talking about. My wife and I were both diagnosed with cancer in 2009, so when I talk about incurred expenses, I know too well the dimensions of financial stress that comes along with a diagnosis of a serious health condition.

However, when we talk about credit institutions and borrowing money, we know that there is no such thing as a freebie. When you consider signing an agreement for a pre settlement funding loan for your asbestos case, make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of the contract. Insist on full disclosure of all potential fees and charges that may apply. Do the math. What is the interest rate?

Of course, the notion of a non recourse settlement loan is enticing; however, it might not be the best possible option for you. Sometimes it turns out to be more beneficial to apply for a regular loan.

There are a lot of factors at play during a negotiation for a pre settlement funding loan, and therefore it is highly recommendable to consult with your attorney on that topic before you approach a lender.

The author Tony Ulrich was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October of 2009. In his research on what his cancer could have been caused by, he came across with data that suggests a strong link to environmental toxics, such as asbestos

Simple Bed Bug Elimination Plan

The purpose of this short easy to follow article is to share a simple, safe, and effective Bed Bug Treatment Plan that truly works for me and will work for you and anybody you care about that is infested with blood sucking Bed Bug colonies. More good news is that it is non-toxic and also effective against other unwanted smaller personal pests that are attracted to or passed onto our beds, like scabies, mites, and lice.

Since being banned, DDT is no longer available because it was potentially killing and harming more things than just bugs. In its absence, there is a real shortage of effective pesticides to kill Bed Bugs.

Using other toxic pesticides is especially discouraged for use on or around beds or baby's nurseries. Use an eco friendly non toxic spray for active nests and anywhere you believe Bed Bugs are located.

This eco living friendly Bed Bug elimination strategy is simple but must be applied diligently to rid them. They hide well, they feed sporadically, Bed Bugs travel between apartments and on luggage, and they have become more resistant to standard dangerous pesticides.

1. Carefully inspect living areas on a routine basis, particularly in and around sleeping areas. 
2. Spray eco living friendly non-toxic Bed Bug elimination enzymes daily for at least three weeks under and around each bed (to break the reproduction cycle). 
3. Use eco living friendly Bed Bug Proof bedding encasements. 
4. Be anti-Bed Bud ready when traveling.

Where should you look for Beg Bugs? The short answer is everywhere! The long answer is that they can be found in and around the mattress, box spring, bed frame, head board, foot board, dresser, night stands, clocks, computers, pictures on the wall, baseboard. Look for brown specs on the mattress. This can be dried blood or fecal matter. Also look for dried skins that occur during the Bed Bug molting process.

Of the eco living friendly non toxic sprays that kill bed bugs on contact the best are FDA (g.r.a.s.) which means all contents are "Generally recognized as safe". You must be persistent.

If Bed Bugs are nesting within your bedding, it is a good decision to use eco living friendly mattress, box springs and pillow encasement covers that are laboratory tested for Bed Bugs. Mattresses and box springs can be semi-permanently encased within special eco living friendly Bed Bug proof mattress encasements. Once installed, inspect the encasements to ensure they are undamaged; if any holes or tears are found, seal these completely with permanent tape. Any bugs trapped within these sealed bags will eventually die. Continue to spray encasement surfaces. The easiest and best eco living friendly Bed Bug encasement products can now be found online. Many commercially available bedding covers are not Bed Bug proof.

Rid bed bugs by thoroughly cleaning the infested rooms and then the entire residence. Strip bedding and thoroughly spray a mist of non-toxic eco living friendly solution over every inch of all pillow, mattress, and frame surfaces. Allow to dry. Separate and flip mattress while spraying box springs, on top, sides and bottom.

Continue to spray non-toxic eco living friendly solution daily around base areas of your bed for at least three weeks. Also, spray immediate floor and wall areas daily. Bed Bug colonies can multiply in cracks, crevices, wall outlets (be careful of electric shock!), picture frames, old or used furniture, luggage, etc.

After three weeks, continue spraying bed surfaces when changing bedding. Always use Hot Water setting (preferably with bleach when possible) when laundering sheets and pillowcases. Running heavier blankets and comforters through a HOT dryer cycle without washing (between professional cleanings) is also a very good idea.

Scrub infested surfaces with a stiff brush moistened with an eco living friendly solution to dislodge and destroy eggs, and use a powerful vacuum to remove as many bed bugs as possible from cracks and crevices. Dismantling bed frames may expose additional bug hiding sites. Remove drawers from desks and dressers and turn furniture over, if possible, to inspect and clean all hiding spots.

To prevent bed bugs from crawling onto a bed, pull the bed frame away from the wall, tuck sheets and blankets so they won't contact the floor, and place the frame legs into dishes or cups of mineral oil and add an eco living friendly solution.

Carefully inspect each piece of home furniture. Look for Bed Bugs, eggs and skins. Check the furniture for holes or tears in the fabric. If you find any, the Bed Bugs may be so deep into the furniture that you may never treat them effectively.

Vacuum living areas regularly with a bag type vacuum so you can safely dispose after sealing. Wash all your clothes and sheets in hot water and store them in heavy duty plastic trash bags. Persistence is the key.

Caulk and seal all holes where pipes and wires penetrate walls and floor, and fill cracks around baseboards and cove moldings to further reduce Bed Bug nesting environments. Because Bed Bugs and other pests may spread through cracks and holes in the walls, ceilings and floors, it is wise for apartment/condominium dwellers to seek cooperation with neighbors and management to inspect and encourage treatment of adjoining apartments on the same floor as well as those directly above and below.

Don't panic. Although Bed Bugs can be annoying, they can be battled safely and successfully if you adopt a well-considered strategy using non-toxic eco living friendly enzymes.

Be vigilant.

Whenever you stay at a hotel or motel, peel the sheets back and look at the corners of the mattress. If possible, look behind the head board for signs of the bugs. Don't put your luggage on the bed or leave it on the floor near the bed. Take a safe non toxic eco living friendly Bed Bug spray with you on all your travels. Spray your luggage before you re-pack your clothes.

Eco living friendly safe non toxic enzymes can also be used in bathwater to soak in it if you have a scabies or mite infestation in any areas of your body, it is completely safe but keep it out of your eyes. You can also add it to the washing machine to clean your clothes of many personal pests.

Each Bed Bug needs only one full blood meal to develop to the next developmental stage, and they can readily wait months between feeding opportunities. Under ideal conditions, adult Bed Bugs can survive for more than one year between meals. Thus, infested residences should be aggressively managed to eliminate Bed Bugs in an eco living friendly way.

This information will help you to more effectively identify and safely manage a confirmed or suspected Bed Bug infestation. This article is published to assist homeowners, property managers, and tenants with safe eco living friendly non-toxic methods relevant to the identification and effective elimination of Bed Bugs.

asbestos is a miracle mineral

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral, known to Greeks as "miracle mineral" due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemical damages. Asbestos is composed of long and thin fibers that become airborne when damaged and disturbed. In the United States, the mineral is used in numerous industries and about 3,000 commercial products including: vinyl tiles, caulk, roofing and ceiling tiles, brakes shores, textiles, insulation, cement, and many more. It is used as fireproofing and insulating material in factories, schools, homes, and ships.

What are the Types of Cancer Caused by Asbestos?

Despite the many uses of asbestos, it is now considered as hazardous to public health. Studies have finally found out heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos causes several serious illnesses to people.

Mesothelioma. This is a rare type of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Even though the incidence rate has decreased in recent years, about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed every year in the US.

There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs and considered as the most common. Peritoneal and pericardial esothelioma affect the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity and the heart, respectively.

The prognosis is poor because condition is often diagnosed in the advanced stages; mainly because symptoms are typically late to appear. There is no cure but different treatment options are available.

Lung Cancer. This disease is not directly linked to asbestos exposure; but the risk gets higher when combined with smoking.

Laryngeal Cancer. There is some evidence that links asbestos as cause of cancer of the larynx (or voice box).

Kidney Cancer. Many studies have shown that asbestos may also cause this type of cancer.

Other cancerous illnesses include: colon, intestinal, esophageal, and gallbladder.

Who is at Risk for Asbestos-Related Cancer?

People who are exposed to asbestos are holding high-risk occupations like: construction and demolition, shipbuilding and shipyard work, drywall removal and installation, auto brake repair, firefighting, and fireproofing.

Asbestos is not harmful when still whole and intact. When disturbed and damaged, it releases microscopic fibers into air. When inhaled or ingested by humans, these fibers get lodged in the tissues and cause inflammation that can lead to malignant tumor.

The Top 5 Places to Check If You Think Your House Has Asbestos

After scientists discovered that asbestos fibers cause asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer, this material became heavily regulated in the United States. Homes are no longer built with materials containing asbestos fibers. However, some residential structures built before the 1970s might still contain asbestos. If you suspect that your house has asbestos, you should hire a professional to check these five main places.

1. Boiler and Hot Water Pipe Insulation. If you live in an older home, you should have your boiler and hot water pipes inspected for asbestos. Until the 1970s, many hot water and steam pipes were covered with a protective coating of asbestos. In addition, some boilers and pipes were wrapped in asbestos blankets for heat insulation and fire resistance. If you are not sure whether a particular material contains asbestos, you might ask a heating specialist or a plumber or have the hot water system inspected by a professional asbestos inspector.

2. Resilient Floor Tiles. If your house has the original vinyl, asphalt or rubber floor tiles, there might be asbestos in the tiles and in the adhesives underneath the tiles. As long as the tiles are in good condition, they will not release asbestos fibers. If you decide to remove any older tiles, make sure not to sand or scrape them, as this might release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. It is always best to use professionals to remove any suspected asbestos from your home.

3. Textured Wall Paint and Decorative Wall Finishes. Until 1977, many brands of textured wall paint and spray finishes were made with asbestos for enhanced strength and durability. Since finding asbestos fibers in the wall paint requires a special type of microscope, you should have professionals inspect your walls to make sure they do not contain any harmful substances.

4. Older Cement Roofing, Shingles and Siding. While the roof of your home might look just fine, it might contain asbestos materials. Asbestos cement used to be a very popular material for manufacturing and installing various types of roofing. Fortunately, roofing materials do not release asbestos fibers unless disturbed by sawing, drilling or cutting. However, you should regularly inspect your roof for any loose shingles and peeling roof felt to avoid release of asbestos fibers.

5. Wood Burning Stoves. If your house has an old wood burning stove, there might be asbestos fibers in the wall and floor covering around the stove. Generally, the coverings will not release asbestos into the air as long as they remain in good condition. However, to be safe, you might want the old wood burning stove examined professionally and any asbestos removed.

Exposure to even a very small amount of asbestos can lead to illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating, as most patients succumb to the illness in less than one year, often leaving family members with a financial burden in addition to their grief. It is important to rely on professionals to handle asbestos removal from the home. In addition, in case of a mesothelioma diagnosis, it may be useful to consult an attorney regarding your legal options.