For decades, asbestos was a popular additive to many products. It was favoured by manufacturers and contractors because of its fire-retardant characteristics and its ability to act as an insulator. What people didn't realize is that asbestos can be extremely harmful to human health. As tiny fibres of this known carcinogen become airborne, they can be inhaled into the lungs. This can cause one of several deadly illnesses.
Asbestos is no longer used to build residences. Nevertheless, products that contain it are still found in homes across the country, especially those that were built prior to 1980. Any updating or remodelling projects done on these structures have the potential to release deadly fibres into the air. Read Asbestos Products In Your Home: Identifying – Remediating – Health Hazards
The following list details the most common items which may be containing this hazardous material that are found in homes. Being familiar with this list alerts homeowners to the need for specialized asbestos removal services that are performed by well-trained technicians. Professional asbestos removal protects homeowners and their families from potentially harmful exposure.
1. Cement foundations, walkways and driveways
2. Insulation, especially in homes built between the 1930s and 1950s
3. Roofing shingles
4. Siding
5. Patching and joint compound
6. Textured paint
7. Decorative material that is sprayed on ceilings and walls
8. Soundproofing material sprayed onto the surface of walls and ceilings
9. Artificial ashes and embers used in gas fireplaces
10. Door gaskets found on wood stoves and furnaces
11. Fireproof gloves manufactured prior to 1980
12. Ironing-board covers manufactured prior to 1980
13. Pads for the stove-top manufactured prior to 1980
14. Items used for insulation for wood-burning stoves or furnaces such as paper, cement sheets or millboard
15. Asbestos blankets or tape around boilers, furnace ducts and steam pipes
16. Resilient floor tiles made of rubber, asphalt or vinyl
17. Vinyl sheet flooring
18. Adhesives used to install floor tiles
19. Electrical cloth
20. Electrical panel partitions
21. Flexible duct connectors
22. Asbestos felt used for roofing and flooring applications
23. Textiles like blankets and ropes
24. Vintage clothing
25. Brake pads and lining on older cars
26. Cigarette filters
27. Old hairdryers
28. Fireproofing materials
29. Small appliances made before the 1980s such as toasters, coffee pots, popcorn poppers, crock pots and irons
30. Portable heaters
31. Portable dishwashers
32. Old crayons
33. Talc products like cosmetics, feminine hygiene items and baby powder
34. Vermiculite, which is an ingredient in pesticides, composts, potting mixes and fertilizers
35. HVAC duct insulation
36. Heating and electrical ducts
37. Chalkboards
38. Carpets
39. Vinyl wall coverings
40. Caulk and putties
The presence of any of these items in a home is not necessarily harmful if the items are in good repair. However, those that are crumbling certainly pose a risk to the home's occupants. Additionally, any projects that will involve sawing, cutting, sanding, removing or otherwise tampering with these items will cause dangerous exposure to asbestos. Homeowners are encouraged to contact an asbestos removal company to test for and remove asbestos-based products.
Infographic:
Common Household products and items potentially containing asbestos
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About the Publisher
Bo Kauffmann is a residential real estate agent with over 18 yrs experience in helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Inducted into the REMAX Hall of Fame in 2010 and receiving the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Bo has sold over 500 houses and condos in the Greater Winnipeg market. He is an accredited buyer representative (A.B.R.) and a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.
Bo provides exceptional service to First-Time Home-Buyers, Seniors looking to downsize and Home Sellers of all ages.
He can be reached easily By E-Mail or call/text him Call/Text Here
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