Protecting Your Family from a Silent Threat in Your Home
For many homeowners in Nampa, Idaho, the charm of an older home comes with a hidden risk. Homes built before the 1990s often contain asbestos, a once-popular building material now known to be a serious health hazard. While perfectly safe when left undisturbed, asbestos becomes dangerous when its microscopic fibers are released into the air—a common occurrence during renovations, repairs, or even from wear and tear over time. Understanding the risks and knowing the proper steps to take is crucial for safeguarding your family’s health and preserving your property’s value.
What is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fine, durable fibers known for their resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties made it an ideal additive for thousands of building materials used extensively in construction from the 1930s to the late 1980s.
The danger lies in the very durability of these fibers. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, cut, or disturbed, these tiny fibers can become airborne. Once inhaled, they can become permanently lodged in the lungs and other tissues, potentially leading to severe health problems decades later. These diseases include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissues, which causes shortness of breath.
- Lung Cancer: The risk of developing lung cancer is significantly higher for individuals exposed to asbestos, especially if they also smoke.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen, almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, making it imperative for homeowners to handle any suspected materials with extreme caution.
Where Could Asbestos Be Hiding in Your Nampa Home?
Given its widespread use, asbestos can be found throughout older homes. You cannot identify it by sight alone; the only way to be certain is through professional testing. However, be aware of these common locations if your home was built before 1990:
Insulation
Attics and walls may contain vermiculite insulation, which could be contaminated. Pipes, boilers, and ducts were often wrapped in asbestos blankets or tape.
Ceilings & Walls
“Popcorn” ceilings, textured paints, and drywall joint compounds frequently contained asbestos to add texture and fire resistance.
Flooring
Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring backing, and the adhesives used to install them were common asbestos-containing materials.
Roofing & Siding
Asbestos cement was used to create durable and fire-resistant roofing shingles and siding materials.
The Professional Asbestos Abatement Process
If you suspect you have asbestos, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Improper handling is the surest way to contaminate your home and endanger your health. A professional asbestos abatement company like Apex Restoration follows strict safety protocols mandated by the EPA and OSHA.
- Inspection and Testing: A certified professional takes samples of suspected materials for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Containment: The work area is completely sealed off with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to prevent fibers from escaping to other parts of your home.
- Safe Removal: Technicians wear personal protective equipment, including respirators. They wet the asbestos-containing materials to minimize dust before carefully removing them.
- Thorough Cleaning: The contained area is meticulously cleaned using special HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums to capture any remaining microscopic fibers.
- Proper Disposal: All asbestos waste is securely sealed in labeled, leak-proof bags and transported to a designated hazardous waste facility, following all state and federal regulations.
After a destructive event like a flood or fire, hidden asbestos can become exposed. It is essential to address any water damage or structural issues with professionals who understand how to handle these hazardous materials safely.
Did You Know?
- ✓ Asbestos-containing material that is in good condition and left undisturbed is generally not a health risk. The danger arises when it is damaged or disturbed.
- ✓ The EPA banned several asbestos applications in 1973, but its use was not fully phased out for years, and some products can still legally contain small amounts.
- ✓ Idaho does not have its own state certification program for asbestos abatement; instead, it adheres to federal EPA standards and recognizes certifications from other states.
The Local Angle: Protecting Nampa and Treasure Valley Homes
Many homes in Nampa and across the Treasure Valley were built during the peak period of asbestos use. This architectural history means that countless families could be living with this hidden hazard. Whether you’re planning a major renovation, repairing damage, or simply want peace of mind, it’s crucial to partner with a local expert. Apex Restoration is based in the Treasure Valley and our IICRC-certified technicians are fully trained in federal safety regulations. We understand the specific needs of homeowners in Nampa and provide rapid, reliable service to ensure your property is safe.
Suspect Asbestos in Your Home?
Don’t risk your family’s health. Contact the certified professionals at Apex Restoration for a free consultation and evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove asbestos myself to save money?
This is strongly discouraged. DIY removal is dangerous and can lead to widespread contamination, creating a much bigger health risk and more expensive cleanup problem. Professionals have the required training, equipment, and containment procedures to do the job safely.
What happens during a professional asbestos inspection?
A certified inspector will visit your home to identify materials that are likely to contain asbestos. They will carefully take small samples of these materials without releasing fibers. The samples are then sent to an accredited lab for analysis.
Is asbestos abatement expensive?
The cost of abatement varies depending on the type and amount of asbestos and the size of the area. However, the cost of professional removal is a critical investment in your family’s long-term health and is far less than the potential medical costs associated with asbestos-related diseases.
My house was built in 1989. Is it safe from asbestos?
While less likely, it is still possible. The phase-out of asbestos was gradual, and some leftover stock of asbestos-containing materials may have been used in homes built into the late 1980s. If you have any doubts, professional testing is the only way to be certain.
Glossary of Terms
Abatement: The procedures to control, reduce, or remove asbestos-containing materials to prevent fiber release.
Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM): Any material or product which contains more than 1% asbestos.
Friable: A term used to describe asbestos-containing material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, posing a high risk of fiber release.
HEPA Filter: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter. A type of air filter that can trap extremely small particles, including asbestos fibers. It’s a critical component in vacuums and air filtration devices used during abatement.
IICRC: Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. A non-profit organization that sets standards and provides certification for the restoration and cleaning industry.