Home is a place where everyone wants and deserves to feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, there can be hazards in your home that you know know nothing about. These particular hazards can lurking right under your nose without you even knowing and they can also have serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important to be aware that these hazardous materials may be present, know how to test for them and what to do about them.
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1. Asbestos
Asbestos was once thought to be an almost perfect material because of its versatility and resistance to heat and friction. However, it is now known as a dangerous carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer that forms in the thin layers of abdomen, heart or lungs. Mesothelioma life expectancy is generally short.
Asbestos is most commonly found in older homes as it hasn’t been widely used since the 1980’s and you’re most likely to find it in the drywall, concrete or old floor tiles. The good thing about asbestos is that it won’t cause problems unless disturbed and released into the air, but if you’re thinking of removing the asbestos, it’s best to contact a professional for the asbestos removal cost as removing it isn’t always the cheapest option.
You can learn more about asbestos at Asbestos.Net.
2. Mold
Mold is caused when there is too much moisture in an area. Various types of leaks are a particularly bad culprit for causing mold in your home. So, it’s important to make sure your home has proper ventilation and doesn’t get too humid or damp and it’s important to watch for signs of any kind of leak, if should find a leak be sure to repair it as soon as possible and clean up the area well. Mold, while always unsightly and unpleasant, can also cause health problems. It can exacerbate allergies and asthma and it can even cause issues like severe headaches, diarrhea and cough. If you notice any of these symptoms or if you notice changes in the way you home feels, you may want to have it checked for mold.
3. Lead
Lead-based paint is another issue that is more common in older homes. If you want to be certain whether or not your home contains lead-based paint you’ll have to have it tested, but there are things you can do to make sure it doesn’t become a problem, even if you’re unsure. Much like asbestos, lead doesn’t become a problem unless it’s disturbed. As long as you don’t have any flaking paint or paint dust you shouldn’t have any issues.
Though these issues can cause problems, the good news is that these hazardous materials can be easily fixed. As long as you are diligent in the upkeep of your home, you should be good to go!
