Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Home Improvement      

 Home Improvement Tips


Checking for Asbestos in Your Home


If you are concerned about asbestos exposure you are not alone. Many individuals wonder if they have been exposed, and if so, what they can do to help protect their health. If you think that you have been exposed to asbestos or are looking for ways to prevent an exposure, look no further. We will go over some of the health problems that arise from asbestos exposure, and what can be done to prevent them.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used for a variety of different applications. Many homes may have this material in their insulation, as it is a fire retardant. Once exposed, individuals can inhale the microscopic asbestos particles and take them into their lungs. Once there, the fibers can cause lung cancer. If prolonged exposure occurs, an individual can also develop cancer in the chest cavity and abdomen.

It is important to note that many individuals have experienced brief exposure and been just fine. The fine asbestos particles are difficult to see and get rid of, so it is common for them to remain in their air for long periods of time thus increasing the risk of cancer. Smokers are at an increased risk for side effects due to exposure.

If you think that your home may have asbestos there are several places that you want to look. It is important to remember that products today do not contain the fiber, only things built in the 1970's or earlier.

- Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts could be insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. If the fibers become damaged or are repaired improperly, they could lead to exposure.

- Resilient floor tiles- the backing on many vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives could contain asbestos. Sanding the tiles or scraping them could release the fibers.

- Cement, millboard, and paper that were used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves. Repairing or removing these appliances could stir up the fibers.

- Door gaskets- in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves.

- Sound proofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Sanding, drilling or scraping the material could be harmful.

- Cement roofing, shingles, and siding. This usually only cause a problem when sawed, drilled, or cut.

If you think that you have asbestos in your home, don't panic. If the material is good condition, you can leave it alone. It is only when these materials are disturbed that there is a problem. If you find a damaged area- discard it using asbestos gloves and a facial mask. Your local health or environmental officials will be able to walk you through the proper disposal procedure. Always check with them when beginning any remodeling job.

Remember, the only way to find out if something contains asbestos is to look at it under a microscope. Enlist the help of a professional, and let them handle the details. They are trained in such removal procedures and can help ensure the safety of your family and loved ones.

Kasi Jones is a freelance health writer and contributing author to Asbestos Center - a site providing free information on asbestos and mesothelioma.


MORE RESOURCES:

AFP

Ivory Coast could get debt relief mid-2009 - World Bank
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 11 hours ago
This is Ivory Coast's third attempt at HIPC debt relief. According to Economy and Finance Minister Charles Diby Koffi, external debt repayments amount to ...
W. Bank says Ivorian aid tied to cleaning up cocoa Reuters South Africa
all 8 news articles


BBC News

Progress seen in debt relief for poor countries
Pakistan Dawn, Pakistan - Sep 4, 2008
By Masood Haider UNITED NATIONS, Sept 4: A new UN report finds significant progress in providing debt relief to the world’s poorest countries. ...
DEVELOPMENT: UN Warns of Faltering Goals on Aid, Trade IPS
Poverty-reduction aid lags, study finds Los Angeles Times
New UN report ‘sounds strong alarm’ on gaps in achieving ... UN News Centre
Reuters South Africa - Business Standard
all 184 news articles


Handloom weavers may get debt relief
Business Standard, India - Sep 2, 2008
After the debt waiver scheme for farmers, the Union government is hoping to extend a similar scheme for handloom weavers. The Union textiles ministry, ...


Gene F. Turnwald: Debt relief might be less than it promises
Lansing State Journal, MI - Sep 2, 2008
I ask you to please keep that in mind when dealing with debt relief companies that guarantee to lower your credit card or loan payments and interest rates. ...


Bankruptcy lawyers can advise clients on debt-court
Reuters - Sep 5, 2008
The amendment in dispute prohibits debt-relief agencies from giving clients advice about taking on more debt before filing for creditor protection. ...
8th Circuit: Bankruptcy Provision Violates Lawyer Free Speech Rights ABA Journal
all 5 news articles


Staying On Track with Your Debt Relief Plan
3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - Aug 29, 2008
All these things, however, pale in comparison with the importance of sticking to and staying focused on your debt relief plan. Sticking with a debt relief ...


Group advocates tax increases and non-user fees for sewer debt relief
The Birmingham News - al.com, AL - Aug 29, 2008
A group of community activists and State Rep. Mary Moore said today the Jeffrson County should increase property taxes and impose non-user fees on water ...


Online Audio Seminar on Debt Relief Helps Consumers
PR Urgent - Aug 26, 2008
Personal finance publishing company offers online audio seminars to help consumers decide between different debt relief options and how to negotiate debt ...


Business Debt Reduction Sets You Free Of Debts
Search By Headlines (press release), NV - Sep 1, 2008
Debt Relief-Assistance brings a simple online way to deal with any such issue that too without letting it burden your budget. With the help of business debt ...


Consolidate Your Bills and Save Up To 75% Today
WebWire (press release), GA - Sep 1, 2008
http://www.debtconsolidationunion.com ) At DebtConsolidationUnion.com visitors can find excellent information about successful methods of debt relief and ...

Debt-Relief - Google News

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Home Improvement


| Home Improvement  | Home Improvement - Complete list 

| Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved