Demolition Iowa City

Checking For and Dealing With Asbestos During a Home Demolition or Renovation

Many people are surprised to learn that asbestos is a naturally occurring substance. Most people today have heard of asbestos and know that it is dangerous and poses many health issues to someone who has been exposed to it, but their knowledge of this harmful material usually ends there. Many illnesses can be caused, worsened, or triggered by asbestos exposure, the most well-known being mesothelioma. This disease attacks the lining of the organs in the body, predominately affecting the stomach, heart, or lungs. As the disease progresses it causes pain, damages the organs, and leads to eventual death. Mesothelioma of the lungs is the most common type diagnosed and is also the one most people know about. You may be thinking to yourself why it’s essential to know about asbestos while working on home restorations or renovations. It is important to understand the risks of asbestos in the home because demolition and renovation projects are the most common ways people are exposed in the home. You will need to work with a skilled and experienced contractor that knows what to look for and how to deal with asbestos or suspected asbestos during a demolition/remodel project.

Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Several factors are believed to have a direct effect on the likelihood of exposure to asbestos resulting in a higher chance for the development of mesothelioma down the line. These factors can include things such as:

• Dose – how much asbestos there was present and how much of it was breathed in
• Duration – how long someone was in the vicinity of asbestos or how long they were exposed
• Type– there are several types of asbestos, and they may affect the body differently
• Source – many products in the home, particularly older homes, can contain asbestos fibers
• Individual – each individual is different and thus carries a unique likelihood of mesothelioma
• Genetic Factors – genetic factors may play a role in asbestos reactions in different people

How Does Asbestos Exposure Happen?

There are two main types of asbestos that you may be exposed to:

• Chrysotile asbestos, AKA white asbestos, is the most common type of asbestos that has been used in home products and construction materials. This is the kind you are most likely to encounter during a home restoration.
• Amphibole asbestos fibers can be classified as being amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, all which have slightly different fiber structure and design.

The most common way people are exposed to asbestos is in their homes. Homes that were built or that had significate work done on them prior to 1987 can have asbestos in them. Many homeowners in Iowa City and the surrounding areas are surprised to learn where asbestos products may have been used in their home. According to the asbestos researchers at AsbestosAwareness, there are many household products that are made from or that contain asbestos fibers, including but not limited to:

What If I Find Asbestos in My House?

Asbestos is not something to deal with on your own. It is simply not worth the risk. Even a one-time exposure can be enough to make you sick, even years down the road. This possibility is why it is always advised to work with a demolition and renovation contractor, whose expertise will alert you to the risk so you do not inadvertently expose yourself and your family to the dangerous health effects of asbestos. If you start a project and think you may have uncovered asbestos materials, you need to seal off the area right away, and if necessary, remove everyone from the home. You will then need to call in professionals to remove the asbestos materials safely and effectively. No one should re-enter the room or even the home, depending on where the asbestos is located, until the contractor has removed it and cleaned the exposed area.

Contact Us Today

If you are planning on a home restoration, remodeling, or demolition project, contact us here at Kruse Tree Trim & Construction, where we are proudly serving Iowa City and the surrounding areas in all manner of renovation and home remodeling projects. Working with a skilled and experienced contractor is the best way to ensure you and your family are not exposed to any hazardous asbestos materials during the project. Call us today to schedule a consultation appointment with our contractors and let us show you how we can help you with any threat of asbestos during your renovation project.