Why You Should Stay FAR Away From DIY Asbestos-Removal Projects
Asbestos refers to a natural mineral that can be pulled out into a fibrous consistency. These fibers are flexible, soft and resistant to electricity, corrosion and heat.
Since asbestos proved to be a good insulator, it was mixed with several materials in olden times to add strength to them. These materials included: plastic, cement, paper and cloth.
While asbestos swiftly gained popularity as a key component in several industrial activities, it was banned in the 1980s due to its toxic nature.
If your property was constructed before the 1980s and you suspect there’s asbestos in your home, consult a professional asbestos removal service for to have it removed in a manner. While homeowners might be tempted to remove asbestos on their own, here are a few reasons why you should consider otherwise.
Dangers Of DIY Asbestos Removal Projects
When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and enter respiratory airways upon inhalation. This can lead to several diseases such as:
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a disease affecting the lining of the airways and is commonly caused by asbestos exposure. Moreover, between the years 1999 and 2015, there were roughly 54,000 cases of mesothelioma in the US due to asbestos exposure.
Asbestosis
Another reason for staying away from DIY projects involves asbestos removal as the fibers can accumulate in the lungs and cause asbestosis which is the inflammation of lungs and results in coughing, shortness of breath and irreversible lung damage.
Lung Cancer
The people who are regularly exposed to asbestos-based products have a higher chance of developing lung cancer over the years.
Symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Ongoing cough or coughing with blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
Other Considerations Of DIY Asbestos Removal
For those who plan to remove asbestos from their property by themselves need to take great precautions in the process to avoid the health risks. This can be quite inconvenient for homeowners who might not be aware of the proper tools and steps involved in the removal.
Asbestos should never be removed by air pressure hoses or power tools as they can disturb the material and cause it to go airborne. Therefore, asbestos materials are recommended to be dampened during removal and the area should be well ventilated.
Moreover, you will need to properly dispose of the asbestos-containing material in an appropriate facility, designated for such purposes.
Thinking about removing asbestos-based materials from your home by yourself? Leave it to the professionals!
At ACI-TECH INC. we provide the residents of Marcus Hook, PA, with reliable asbestos abatement and removal services. Contact us now for further details.