Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral resistant to nature's forces like corrosion, water, heat, and more. If you worry about your family, we have discussed some safety measures that can help you ensure their safety.
5 Ways to Protect Your Family from Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral consisting of flexible fibers. It is resistant to corrosion, water, electricity, heat, and chemical damage. Therefore, it was extensively used for insulation and roofing in the construction industry during the late 20th century until its adverse effects came to light. As a result, many countries banned the use of asbestos. Finally, however, the US permitted the regulated use of asbestos.
In the US, many people, especially the ones living in old buildings or houses, are still at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers and developing various diseases like cancer and other lung diseases. Most patients with conditions resulting from asbestos exposure are old and were most probably exposed to asbestos during the late 20th century when it was a popular construction material. However, younger patients with asbestos-related diseases are exposed to it when the asbestos-containing areas in their houses constructed decades ago are disturbed.
Asbestos inhalation in little quantities over a long time can lead to serious diseases. The diseases caused by asbestos exposure have symptoms similar to various other lung and chest diseases. Therefore, physicians often misdiagnose it. Therefore, it is advised to seek a second opinion. Moreover, seek legal advice to hold the responsible authorities accountable and get financial assistance for your treatment and other costs.
You can file a lawsuit against the company that built your house or building to get compensation. Some companies declared bankruptcy in the early 21st century to avoid paying for asbestos-related financial claims. However, the government mandated those companies to establish mesothelioma trust funds to help patients with asbestos-related conditions. Suppose the construction company of your house or building went bankrupt. In that case, you can still file a claim and obtain financial compensation through a trust fund. Go through an asbestos trust fund list to ensure that the construction company of your residence is on it.
Despite all the medical and legal help available, no one should have to go through asbestos-related problems. Therefore, this article will discuss ways to protect your family from asbestos.
1. Check the Most Common Asbestos-Containing Areas in your Home
First, it is crucial to identify the sources of asbestos in your residence. Next, check the most common places in your home that may contain asbestos and try not to disturb it. For example, many people believe that asbestos can only be present in walls or attics. However, it can be present in other lesser-known places around the house.
Remember that removing old Asbestos in the Attic is a risky job that should only be done by a specialist in attic services.
The asbestos fibers were often mixed with cement for building sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. Moreover, sprayed paintings can also contain traces of asbestos. Long-term exposure to asbestos, even in small quantities, can result in various illnesses.
2. Warn your Family about the Potential Dangers of Asbestos
Educating your family about the sources of exposure and the dangers of disturbing, touching, or inhaling asbestos is best. Children are often tempted to try things out of curiosity. However, warning them about asbestos's potential problems and dangers can help curb their curiosity.
Suppose your children are too young to understand your instructions. In that case, you can restrict access to sensitive or asbestos-containing areas of your house.
3. Do Not Remove Asbestos from Your House Yourself
Some people may panic and try to remove asbestos from their houses as soon as possible. However, that is not the right approach and can be risky. Removing asbestos from an old building is a complex process and better be done by professionals.
Unexperienced people can break it during the removal process and cause the asbestos fibers to disperse in the atmosphere, which can linger around for a long time and be inhaled by you or your family, leading to the development of several physical problems.
4. Hire Professionals to carry out a Survey
Many asbestos consulting agencies help you identify the sources of asbestos in or around your house and offer professional services to help you safely remove asbestos. In addition, you can contact reputable professionals in your city and ask them to carry out an elaborate survey.
Suppose you don't want to remove asbestos from your property. In that case, the professionals can guide you about the safety measures to follow not to disturb and manage the asbestos. Moreover, they may also guide you about the best course of action in case of exposure.
5. If you Suspect Exposure, Take Immediate Action
Asbestos won't cause any severe symptoms immediately. However, asbestos exposure can result in serious conditions decades later. Therefore, there is no correct way to identify whether you or your family were exposed to asbestos or not.
Suppose you find a source of asbestos in your house where you have been residing for years with your family or suspect that you have disturbed a source of asbestos. In that case, getting medical attention and your regular tests is best.
The Bottom Line
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral resistant to nature's forces like corrosion, water, heat, and more. However, inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause several lungs and chest-related illnesses in humans. People living in old buildings are at a higher risk of inhaling asbestos because asbestos was extensively used in the construction industry in the late 90s. If you worry about your family, we have discussed some safety measures in this article that can help you ensure their safety. You can contact professionals to assess and identify the places with asbestos in your house. You can also warn your family to stay careful in those places or simply restrict entry. Moreover, if you suspect exposure, seek medical attention. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to protect your family from asbestos.