Uncovering Potential Dangers in Your Renovation Project
Embarking on a home renovation in the Treasure Valley is an exciting venture. Whether you’re updating a historic property in Boise or modernizing a mid-century home in Meridian, the goal is always to improve your living space. However, many homes built before the 1980s contain a hidden danger that can turn your dream project into a health hazard: asbestos. Before you pick up a sledgehammer or start tearing down walls, it’s crucial to understand the risks of asbestos and the importance of professional abatement to ensure your family’s safety.
Undisturbed, asbestos-containing materials are generally not considered a direct threat. The danger arises when these materials are damaged or disturbed during renovations, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can lead to severe, long-term health issues. That’s why understanding and addressing potential asbestos is a critical first step in any remodeling plan.
What is Asbestos and Where is it Hiding?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of soft, flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. These qualities made it an incredibly popular additive in a vast array of building materials for decades. If your home was constructed before the early 1980s, there’s a significant chance asbestos is present in multiple locations.
You can’t see, smell, or taste asbestos fibers, and the only way to confirm their presence is through professional lab testing. Some of the most common places to find asbestos in older homes include:
- Insulation: Often found around pipes, ducts, boilers, and in attics (particularly vermiculite insulation).
- Ceilings and Walls: “Popcorn” ceilings, textured paints, and joint compounds used for drywall often contain asbestos.
- Flooring: Vinyl sheet flooring, floor tiles, and the adhesives used to install them were common culprits.
- Roofing and Siding: Cement asbestos shingles and siding were valued for their durability.
- Pipes: Asbestos cement pipes were used for water supply and other plumbing applications.
The Serious Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
When materials containing asbestos are sawn, sanded, drilled, or broken apart, they release tiny, needle-like fibers into the air. These airborne fibers can be easily inhaled and become lodged deep within the lungs and other body tissues. The body has extreme difficulty expelling these fibers, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and eventually, life-threatening diseases.
The health consequences of asbestos exposure are severe and often have a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure. Major health risks include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, which causes shortness of breath and can lead to respiratory failure.
- Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos fibers significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, and this risk is even higher for smokers.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
Because of these severe risks, attempting a DIY removal is not only dangerous but can lead to widespread contamination of your entire property, increasing the danger for everyone inside.
The Professional Asbestos Abatement Process
Due to the hazards involved, asbestos abatement is a highly regulated process that should only be handled by certified professionals. A reputable company follows strict procedures to ensure the safety of your family and their technicians. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Inspection and Testing
A certified inspector will assess your property to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Samples are carefully collected and sent to a lab for analysis. This is the only way to be 100% certain.
Step 2: Containment
Before removal begins, the work area is completely sealed off from the rest of your home using thick plastic sheeting and tape. A negative air pressure system is often used to ensure that no asbestos fibers can escape the containment zone.
Step 3: Safe Removal
Technicians wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, will wet down the asbestos materials to minimize dust. They use specialized tools to carefully remove the materials, which are then placed in sealed, leak-proof bags or containers for proper disposal.
Step 4: Decontamination and Cleanup
The contained area is thoroughly cleaned using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums, which are designed to capture microscopic asbestos fibers. All surfaces are wet-wiped to remove any remaining particles.
Step 5: Proper Disposal
Asbestos waste is considered hazardous material and must be transported to a licensed landfill that is approved to receive it, following all federal and state regulations.
Did You Know?
- ➤ Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 different construction products.
- ➤ Even if materials are damaged by unforeseen events like a pipe leak or water damage, it can disturb asbestos and cause fiber release.
- ➤ Idaho does not have its own state-level asbestos certification program but requires abatement professionals to be certified by a program that meets EPA standards.
Asbestos Regulations in Meridian and the Treasure Valley
As a homeowner in Idaho, it’s important to be aware of the regulations. The state follows the guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Federal regulations require that buildings be surveyed for asbestos before any renovation or demolition activities. This is especially true for the charming older homes found throughout our communities, from Nampa and Caldwell to the capital city of Boise.
Protecting your property’s value and, more importantly, your family’s health starts with being proactive. Before starting any project that involves disturbing building materials in your Meridian home, ensure you’ve addressed the potential for asbestos.
Planning a Renovation? Ensure Your Safety First.
Don’t let a hidden hazard compromise your home and health. If your property was built before 1990, contact the IICRC-certified professionals at Apex Restoration for a comprehensive inspection and consultation before you begin your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has asbestos?
The only sure way to know is through professional testing. If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s highly recommended to assume asbestos may be present and have materials tested before any renovations.
What should I do if I accidentally disturb what I think is asbestos?
Immediately stop work in that area. Evacuate the room and seal it off to the best of your ability. Avoid any cleaning, like sweeping or vacuuming, which will make fibers airborne. Call a certified asbestos abatement professional like Apex Restoration right away for guidance.
Is asbestos abatement expensive?
The cost varies depending on the amount and type of asbestos, its location, and the size of the containment area. However, the cost of professional abatement is minimal compared to the long-term health costs and widespread contamination risk of improper removal.
How long does the asbestos abatement process take?
The timeline depends on the project’s scope. A small project, like removing a section of pipe insulation, might take a day. A larger project, like removing a popcorn ceiling from multiple rooms, could take several days. Your abatement contractor will provide a specific timeline.
Glossary of Terms
- Abatement
- The procedures used to control fiber release from asbestos-containing materials, including removal, encapsulation, or enclosure.
- Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM)
- Any material or product that contains more than 1% asbestos.
- Friable
- Asbestos-containing material that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. This type is more likely to release airborne fibers.
- HEPA Filter
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter. A type of air filter that can trap extremely small particles, including asbestos fibers.
- IICRC
- Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. A non-profit organization that sets standards and provides certification for the restoration and cleaning industry.