Protecting Yourself from Asbestos While Remodeling

Since the late 1970s materials containing asbestos have been removed from most home building materials. However, if your home was built during the 1970s or earlier, there may be asbestos materials in the home. Asbestos is only harmful when disturbed such as during remodeling, construction or removal. You should be aware of what materials maybe in your home before you start any remodeling or demolition project. Here are some common products you may have in your older home that might contain asbestos.

Insulation around water pipes, boiler and furnace air ducts: Though not harmful unless disturbed, these materials may release asbestos fibers into the air if they are damaged, repaired or removed without proper cautionary measures.

Resilient flooring materials: Asbestos was often used in the manufacturing of flooring materials such as vinyl tiles, rubber tiles or asphalt. Sanding tiles or breaking them apart for disposal may release asbestos fibers into the air.

Door Gaskets: Older gaskets on furnaces, wood stoves or coal stoves often used asbestos as an insulator. Worn seals can release the fibers in to the air during use.

Soundproofing or decorative materials: Loose, damaged or crumbly material may release fibers into the air as will sanding, drilling or scraping the soundproofing materials.

Patching and Joint compounds: Older joint compounds often used asbestos to add strength to the compound. If you are sanding, removing or drilling into older joints or sealing compound, you may release fibers into the air.

Ceiling tiles, "popcorn" ceilings, roofing tiles and shingles: These type of products are not likely to release asbestos fibers into the air unless they are cut, drilled, sawed or ran over by heavy equipment, such as during remodeling or demolition.

Artificial Fireplace logs: Realistic Logs and ceramic embers used in gas fireplaces often were made with asbestos because of the heat retaining properties. If you are using old logs and embers, you should discontinue their use and dispose of them properly.

Ironing Board Covers, Heat Proof Gloves, Stove Top Pads: Designed to absorb heat to keep you safe, these common household items can contain asbestos fibers if they are old or made in foreign countries. As long as they are not ripped or cut, the fibers cannot be released in the air. So if you are holding on to that favorite old potholder or ironing board cover of grandma's, you may want to store it away someplace safe.

In the event that you may come across a situation where you may be releasing asbestos fibers into the air, there are necessary precautions you should take to protect your health and the health of your family. If you are removing a "popcorn" ceiling, or any other product in your home that may contain asbestos, always spray the area with a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap mixed in. Wearing long sleeve shirts, pants, hat and gloves will also provide some protection.

Asbestos fibers are generally too small to see and small enough to be easily inhaled. Wearing a paper face mask may not be enough protection. The Environmental Protection Agency and your local Air Pollution Control District can answer any questions you may have regarding asbestos in your home. Check your local yellow pages or check on line for a contact phone number for your area if you are concerned about releasing asbestos during a home remodeling project.

Article Resources
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
http://www.epa.gov/
http://www.airnow.gov/