| When remodeling your home yourself, it is important to | | | | asbestos releases the fibers into the air and once |
| take certain precautions. Demolition and remodeling | | | | inhaled, it can become lodged in the linings of |
| often make asbestos a prevalent danger in American | | | | organs—such as the heart, lungs, and abdomen. |
| households. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral | | | | This may lead to various asbestos-related diseases |
| that is a known carcinogen. This fiber consists of long, | | | | such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other forms of |
| thin fibrous crystals and may be mixed with other | | | | asbestos cancer. |
| substances in order to resist heat, electricity and | | | | Mesothelioma (mez-uh-thee-lee-O-muh) is a type of |
| chemical damage. Due to these characteristics, | | | | cancer that can be either malignant or benign. |
| asbestos was used in many buildings and other | | | | Malignant mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of |
| structures throughout the 1900s. One estimation is that | | | | this cancer and in most cases will lead to death. This |
| up to 80 percent of all buildings constructed before | | | | cancer affects the mesothelium, which protects the |
| 1978 had asbestos within the design. | | | | heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a |
| Knowing whether or not asbestos is in your home | | | | special fluid that allows the organs to move. Due to the |
| takes a licensed professional, because it is difficult to | | | | latency period—which can be 20 to 50 |
| determine conclusively whether or not a building | | | | years—it is difficult to diagnose and treat. |
| material contains asbestos merely by looking at it. If | | | | The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases |
| you believe that your house contains asbestos, the Air | | | | with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung |
| Pollution Control District (APCD) recommends using a | | | | cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if |
| licensed asbestos removal contractor who knows the | | | | you smoke. |
| correct safe procedure of ridding the toxin from your | | | | If you believe that your home contains asbestos that |
| home. Not only is removing asbestos yourself a | | | | has been disturbed, do not sweep, dust, or vacuum the |
| daunting task, but also extremely dangerous. There are | | | | debris. Immediately contact a professional to clean it |
| very strict procedures that need to be followed in | | | | up. Additionally, you should see your doctor as soon as |
| order to not damage the asbestos, and only trained | | | | possible. Asbestos cancer treatments are more |
| professionals are qualified to handle these procedures. | | | | effective and symptoms are more identifiable if your |
| Asbestos is typically found in insulation, ceilings, and | | | | doctor is aware that you have been exposed to |
| walls. There is no safe level of exposure, and it is | | | | asbestos. |
| highly dangerous when it is disturbed. Damage to | | | | |