According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure.
Risk factors also include:
Amount of exposure
Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers
Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos
Genetic factors
Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)
Since DIY asbestos removal isn’t the best option to save money, there are other steps that you can take to help cut costs when dealing with this project. After speaking with your asbestos removal expert, discuss if encapsulation is an option. If it is, you can save between 15% to 25% on overall project costs over demolition and disposal. In addition, when speaking with your professional, discuss if there are any tax credits available for your removal project. Finally, check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if any removal costs might be covered. However, be aware that this is usually only applicable if the asbestos is due to a covered incident, like a tree falling into your roof.
Unfortunately, home inspections do not check for asbestos because of the liability factor involved. That’s why you should hire a trained professional with specialized equipment to test for it.
They will inspect all areas of the home and take samples of various materials to test. Opting for an asbestos inspection can prevent the risk of exposure to this hazardous material and save on costly repairs that may be required.
If your home was built before 1989 and still has original vinyl, there’s a high probability of asbestos mixed into the old flooring, which can harm you and your family if it’s disturbed from removal. If you suspect that you have asbestos, you’ll want to call in an asbestos removal expert to evaluate the situation.
No, not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos, but a vast majority do. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use in 1973, although it still may have been used up through the early ‘90s. But, in general, homes built or remodeled before the early ‘80s likely utilized materials with asbestos. That being said, a professional test is the only way to determine for sure.
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