Asbestos can cause several types of cancer and damage to lungs when fibers are released into the air or swallowed. The more fibers a body takes in, the greater its risk for developing a disease. There are treatments for some of the diseases, but there really aren’t any cures or ways to get rid of the fibers, once they are in your body.

Check for asbestos before you renovate.

Asbestos was Mined all over the world. It is very strong, doesn’t transfer heat and absorbs sound. It has other good qualities.

Asbestos was put into many building materials, and it doesn’t go away over time, except with good removal practices. Some building materials were banned from containing asbestos in the 1990’s, but others can still be purchased and put in your home today.

It may be in drywall textures or muds, paper or tape on heating systems, floor tile and glue, ceiling tiles, plaster, roofing, siding and many other building materials. The chance of having asbestos is the same for homes as for public and commercial buildings built at the same time.

We recommend you have samples tested by a lab before renovating. In most buildings, samples must be taken only by a trained Asbestos Building Inspector, but you may be able to test items in your own home.

It may be in drywall textures or muds, paper or tape on heating systems, floor tile and glue, ceiling tiles, plaster, roofing, siding and many other building materials. The chance of having asbestos is the same for homes as for public and commercial buildings built at the same time.

We recommend you have samples tested by a lab before renovating. In most buildings, samples must be taken only by a trained Asbestos Building Inspector, but you may be able to test items in your own home.

Asbestos is normally only a problem when fibers are released into the air or swallowed. If building materials are not damaged, they are unlikely to release fibers. Items that are falling apart or will be damaged during renovation may release fibers.