The Hidden Hazard in Pre-1980s Homes

Many homes in Eagle, Idaho, built before the 1980s, harbor a hidden danger: asbestos. This naturally occurring mineral was once a popular building material, celebrated for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, we now know that when these materials are disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can lead to severe, long-term health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. For homeowners planning renovations, repairs, or simply living in an older property, understanding the risks and the proper steps for asbestos abatement is crucial for protecting your family’s health and safety.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a term for a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of fine, durable fibers. Its resistance to heat and corrosion made it an ideal additive for a wide range of products used in home construction. The danger lies in its friability—the tendency of a material to crumble and release fibers into the air when handled or damaged. Once inhaled, these tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to serious diseases that may not appear for decades after exposure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no known “safe” level of asbestos exposure. The primary health risks include:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissues, which leads to shortness of breath and long-term respiratory problems.
• Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk is even higher for individuals who also smoke.
• Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the thin membranes lining the chest and abdomen. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
• Cancers of the Larynx and Ovaries: Studies have also linked asbestos exposure to an increased risk of these cancers.

Common Places to Find Asbestos in an Eagle Home

If your home was constructed before the widespread bans in the late 1970s and early 1980s, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) could be present. It’s essential to be aware of the common locations where it might be found before starting any projects that could disturb it.

Disturbing any of these materials through cutting, sanding, drilling, or demolition can release dangerous fibers. Even something as simple as water damage can compromise the integrity of ACMs, making them friable and hazardous.

The Professional Asbestos Abatement Process

Asbestos abatement is a highly regulated and complex process that should never be attempted as a DIY project. Certified professionals like the team at Apex Restoration follow strict procedures to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants. Here’s what you can expect from a professional asbestos abatement service:

1. Inspection and Testing: A certified inspector will assess your property to identify potential ACMs. Samples are carefully collected and sent to a lab for analysis to confirm the presence and type of asbestos.
2. Containment: The work area is completely sealed off from the rest of the house using heavy-duty plastic sheeting and negative air pressure systems. This critical step prevents fibers from spreading to uncontaminated areas.
3. Safe Removal: Technicians wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, carefully remove the asbestos-containing materials. The materials are wetted down to minimize dust and placed in specially labeled, sealed disposal bags.
4. Thorough Cleaning: After removal, the entire containment area is cleaned using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums, which are designed to capture microscopic asbestos fibers.
5. Air Clearance Testing: An independent third party may conduct air testing to ensure the asbestos fiber concentration is below the safe, permissible limit before the containment barriers are removed.
6. Proper Disposal: All asbestos waste is transported to a designated hazardous waste landfill in accordance with EPA and local regulations.

Asbestos Regulations in Eagle and Idaho

While Idaho does not have its own state-run asbestos certification program, it defers to federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that any professional performing abatement in Eagle must be certified by a state with an EPA-approved program. Federal regulations like the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) govern how asbestos is handled during renovations and demolitions to protect public health. At Apex Restoration, our technicians are IICRC-certified and adhere to all federal and local guidelines, ensuring your project is handled safely and legally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Glossary of Terms

• Abatement: The procedures used to control, reduce, or remove asbestos fibers from a building.
• Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM): Any material or product which contains more than one percent asbestos.
• Friable: Asbestos-containing material that, when dry, can be easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, releasing fibers into the air.
• HEPA Filter: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, capable of trapping extremely small particles, including asbestos fibers.
• IICRC: Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. A certification and standard-setting organization for the restoration and cleaning industries.
• NESHAP: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Federal regulations from the EPA that govern asbestos work practices.