Asbestos in Older Homes
Asbestos, once widely regarded for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties, was commonly used in a range of construction materials. However, as the dangers of asbestos exposure became more widely understood in the late 20th century, its use began to be strictly regulated and phased out. Homes built before the 1980s, particularly those constructed from the 1940s through the 1970s, may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which pose specific health risks. At Total Asbestos Removal Brisbane, we aim to shed light on this issue, helping homeowners understand the risks and necessary steps to safeguard their families and properties.
Key Takeaways
- Asbestos is commonly found in homes built before the 1980s.
- Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibres.
- Professional testing and removal are crucial to ensure safety.
- Asbestos can be present in roofing, walls, flooring, and insulation.
- Always hire licensed professionals for asbestos management.
What is Asbestos and Why Was It Used in Homes?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties make it an attractive material for a wide variety of uses in residential construction. However, its widespread use has raised significant concerns about environment health due to its hazardous impact when fibres are disturbed and inhaled. Asbestos was incorporated into roofing, insulation, flooring, siding, and even paint. Common forms included:
- Insulation materials: Used around pipes, ducts, and boilers.
- Floor tiles and adhesive: Vinyl asbestos floor tiles were often installed in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Cement products: Asbestos cement boards were used for siding, roofing, and exterior wall finishes.
- Textured paints and ceiling treatments: “Popcorn” ceilings were often made with asbestos-laced compounds.
- Roofing materials: Asbestos was added to roofing shingles, flashing, and tar.
- Pipe insulation: Asbestos was used to insulate heating and water pipes.
Homes built before the 1980s are most likely to contain these materials. The pervasive use of asbestos in building products during this period has left a lasting legacy of concerns for both individual safety and environment health, as improper handling or removal can release harmful fibres into the air, posing risks to both humans and the surrounding environment.
Where Asbestos Hides in Older Homes
Roofing and Gutters
Asbestos cement was commonly used in roofing materials due to its strength and weather resistance. Gutters, downpipes, and roof sheets often contain asbestos in older homes.
Insulation
Insulation materials, particularly in attics and around pipes, frequently contained asbestos. Loose-fill insulation is one of the most dangerous forms due to its potential to release airborne fibres.
Walls and Ceilings
Textured paints and ceiling panels often include asbestos for durability. Sheeting materials, such as asbestos cement boards, were widely used in walls and ceilings.
Flooring
Vinyl tiles and their adhesives were often manufactured with asbestos. These materials can degrade over time, increasing the risk of exposure.
Fireproofing
Asbestos was widely used in fireproofing products, often found in older fireplaces, chimneys, and ducts.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous because it breaks into microscopic fibres when disturbed. When inhaled, these fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious health conditions over time. The risk comes from prolonged exposure, particularly in areas where the asbestos-containing materials are in poor condition, damaged, or improperly handled. The health risks of asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, directly linked to asbestos exposure.
- Other cancers: Exposure may also increase the risk of cancers of the larynx, ovary, and gastrointestinal system.
The latency period for these diseases can range from 20 to 50 years, which means that the effects of asbestos exposure may not become apparent until decades later. This long delay makes it all the more important to address asbestos in older homes as soon as it is identified.
Specific Issues with Asbestos in Homes Built Before the 1980s
Hidden Asbestos Materials
One of the biggest challenges with asbestos in older homes is that many of the materials containing asbestos are not immediately visible or easily identifiable. Asbestos may be hidden behind walls, beneath floors, or inside ceiling materials. For instance, asbestos insulation may be tucked away around pipes or ducts in the attic or crawl space, out of sight of homeowners. Since asbestos-containing composite materials may look like ordinary insulation or building products, homeowners often do not realise they are at risk until the materials are disturbed.
Deterioration of Asbestos Materials
Asbestos-containing materials do not pose a health risk as long as they remain undisturbed and intact. However, over time, materials containing asbestos can deteriorate due to age, moisture, and physical wear. When materials like roofing shingles, floor tiles, or ceiling treatments begin to degrade, asbestos fibres may become airborne, posing a health hazard to anyone in the vicinity. For example, broken or damaged floor tiles may release fibres into the air when walked on, and an aging roof may shed asbestos particles into the surrounding environment.
DIY Renovations and Asbestos Disturbance
Homeowners who take on do-it-yourself (DIY) renovation projects are often unaware of the potential dangers of disturbing asbestos-containing materials. Activities like removing old floor tiles, tearing down walls, or scraping popcorn ceilings can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air, especially if proper safety precautions are not taken. The risk is particularly high when homeowners attempt to remove asbestos-laden materials without professional help or without understanding the correct handling procedures.
Expensive and Complicated Removal
Asbestos removal is not a simple task and requires professional expertise and specialised equipment. The removal process involves safely isolating the area, using protective gear, and properly disposing of contaminated materials. Because of the risks involved, DIY removal is never recommended. Professional asbestos abatement services can be expensive, as they involve rigorous safety measures to prevent contamination and ensure that the materials are disposed of properly. For homeowners on a budget, the cost of removing asbestos from an older home can be a major concern.
Legal and Health Liabilities
There are also potential legal implications for homeowners who do not properly address asbestos in their homes. In many jurisdictions, laws require homeowners to disclose the presence of asbestos during property sales. Failing to do so could result in legal action. Additionally, neglecting to handle asbestos properly may put others at risk, including contractors, repair workers, and future homeowners. There are also concerns about liability if someone is injured or develops health problems due to improper handling or exposure to asbestos.
Steps Homeowners Should Take
If you own an older home, there are several steps you can take to address the potential presence of asbestos:
- Book an Asbestos Consultation: Start with a professional asbestos consultation to assess the risks and understand the next steps. Experts can guide you through testing, management, or removal based on your specific situation.
- Have the Home Tested: If you suspect your home may contain asbestos, hire a licensed professional to test the materials. This is the only way to definitively determine whether asbestos is present.
- Leave Intact Materials Alone: If materials containing asbestos are undisturbed and in good condition, they do not pose an immediate health threat. However, if you plan to renovate or disturb any areas of your home or undertake fire safety installation in the building it’s crucial to have these materials professionally inspected.
- Hire Certified Professionals for Removal: If asbestos is found, it is important to hire or choose a certified asbestos removal specialist company to handle the safe removal and disposal of the material.
- Follow Local Regulations: Many areas have specific laws regarding asbestos removal, disposal, and renovation. Be sure to follow these regulations to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and others.
Including fire safety installation in the building ensures that all related renovations or installations are conducted safely and in compliance with asbestos management protocols.
Conclusion
Asbestos in older homes is a silent threat that requires immediate attention. Identifying, managing, and safely removing asbestos are critical steps for protecting your family and property. Contact Total Asbestos Removal Brisbane today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a safer environment. At Total Asbestos Removal Brisbane, we specialise in asbestos inspections, removal, and disposal, ensuring your home is safe and compliant.
FAQs:
How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
Older homes built before the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos in roofing, insulation, walls, and floors. A professional inspection is the only way to confirm.
Is it dangerous to live in a house with asbestos?
Asbestos is generally safe if undisturbed. However, damaged or deteriorating materials can release fibres, posing health risks.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
No, removing asbestos without proper training and equipment is extremely hazardous and often illegal. Always hire licensed professionals.
How much does asbestos removal cost?
Costs vary depending on the amount and location of asbestos. Contact us for a quote on asbestos removal.
What happens during asbestos removal?
Professionals seal off the area, remove the material safely, and dispose of it according to regulatory standards.
How can I reduce the risk of exposure?
Avoid disturbing suspected materials and schedule regular inspections to monitor their condition.
