Hidden Asbestos Risks in Home Renovations: What to Watch For?

Most people know that asbestos exposure is a concern in certain industries and when working in older buildings. However, there are hidden asbestos risks in home renovations that all homeowners must know. If you own an older home or recently purchased an older home and plan to renovate, there are a few hidden risks of asbestos exposure that you must be prepared to address. Left unchecked, asbestos poses a serious health risk to you and your family.

Hidden Asbestos Risks in Home Renovations

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and it is vital to recognize asbestos risks at work as well as at home. Though asbestos is no longer actively used in home construction in the United States, many homes built decades ago still contain asbestos. Renovation projects could result in disturbing these materials, releasing asbestos particles into the air.

There are about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year, and about 2,500 people die of mesothelioma yearly. Most of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos years or even decades ago. Mesothelioma has a very long latency period, and by the time it causes noticeable symptoms, it will have already reached a critical stage.

It is crucial to know the most common hidden risks of asbestos you might encounter during home renovation:

• Ceiling materials, such as popcorn ceilings and certain types of ceiling tiles, were previously manufactured using asbestos. If ceilings become damaged, they can release asbestos particles into the air.
• Gaskets, seals, and other components of older furnaces and heating systems may also contain asbestos. These components used to be manufactured with asbestos due to the material’s fireproofing capabilities.
• Older wood-burning stoves may be energy-efficient heating options, but they may also contain asbestos. If these fixtures become damaged, it’s possible for this to create an asbestos hazard.
• Shingles and other roofing materials used to be manufactured with asbestos. If you have a roof repair or replacement as part of a renovation project, it is important to assess whether removed shingles or other roofing materials could pose an asbestos risk.
• Vinyl and rubber flooring were also manufactured with asbestos in the past. These materials are typically quite rugged and difficult to damage, but if they are removed, it is possible for them to release asbestos particles.
• Various types of insulation inside of a home, such as attic insulation, may contain asbestos. These materials are especially difficult to remove as they can break apart very easily and shed asbestos fibers into the air with minimal disruption.
• Drywall, putty, and wallpaper adhesives may also contain asbestos. If you plan to tear down any walls inside of your home for your renovation project, it will be crucial to use appropriate removal techniques and consult a certified asbestos removal contractor to ensure any dangerous materials are properly removed.

These are just a few examples of how you might discover asbestos in your home during a renovation project. The most important things to remember are to work with certified contractors, and if you encounter or disturb any asbestos during work, cease work immediately and have the health hazard reviewed.

The skilled mesothelioma attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience representing clients in mesothelioma cases. While many of these cases originate from asbestos exposure in the workplace, it is also possible for a person to develop mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure in the home. If you have legal questions about asbestos risks in a home renovation project, reach out to us as quickly as possible.

FAQs

Q: How Common Is Asbestos in Home Construction?

A: Asbestos was commonly used in home construction between the 1930s and 1970s, but has dramatically decreased since then. Prior to the discovery of the health effects of asbestos exposure, asbestos was used in home flooring, roofing, insulation, ceiling tiles, and ductwork. If you renovate an older home, it is crucial to verify asbestos inspection requirements and make sure any asbestos found is properly removed.

Q: What Should You Do if You Find Asbestos During Home Renovation?

A: If you find asbestos during home renovation, you must stop work immediately and check your local and state regulations pertaining to asbestos. Professional removal is essential, and most states require that service providers have specific certifications to conduct asbestos removal safely. If asbestos inside of a home is disturbed, it can release asbestos fibers into the air in the home, potentially creating a very serious health hazard for everyone inside.

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Will Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, as it is possible for just one exposure to cause mesothelioma. However, it is also possible for someone to be exposed to asbestos and never develop mesothelioma. Some people are predisposed to mesothelioma and other cancers, so they face a higher risk of developing mesothelioma if they are exposed to asbestos.

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma cannot be cured. This is a terminal form of cancer, and the patient will require medical treatment to manage their symptoms and preserve their quality of life as much as possible. Cancer treatment is often effective at improving lifespan with mesothelioma. More than 65% of people who undergo chemotherapy for mesothelioma survive for three or more years.

Q: How Can You Detect Asbestos Inside of a Home?

A: It is possible to detect asbestos inside of a home through visual inspection of materials known to contain asbestos and through air quality testing. There are professional services that can conduct testing inside of a building to detect the presence of asbestos fibers. If you find materials that could contain asbestos, chemical testing of material samples can confirm whether the material does, in fact, contain asbestos.

There are many hidden asbestos risks in home renovation, and the older the home, the more likely you are to encounter asbestos-containing materials during a renovation project. Local and state resources can help you determine what to do if you encounter asbestos while renovating.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham can provide comprehensive legal counsel if you have legal questions about finding asbestos inside your home. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.