Asbestos is not one type of mineral but a set of multiple fibrous minerals that occur naturally. Because they occur naturally, people were under the misconception that they were safe to use several decades ago. Additionally, it is resistant to fire and very durable, which is the reason builders used it in the first place. Asbestos, which includes crocidolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, chrysotile, amosite, and tremolite, is now known to be extremely dangerous. If you have an older home, you run the risk of having asbestos. Here are some of the more unusual places you might find it in your home.
Dog Kennel
The older models of dog kennels were often made with asbestos materials that were left over from various building projects. People would use recycled asbestos materials or leftover cuts from the asbestos and use those to create dog kennels or cubby houses. They might have known a builder who had the supplies on hand, or would buy them inexpensively at a local building supply yard. You should never buy an older dog kennel as it might be at risk for being made from asbestos.
Electrical Meter Boxes
Older homes have asbestos hidden in many areas of the home, but there are places that are often overlooked at having asbestos. You should also be aware of the asbestos that might be in the old electrical meter box. A lot of electrical backing boards used asbestos since it was resistant to fire and electrical dangers. While these were more of a problem in Australian homes, you should also be aware of the risk no matter where you live.
Underneath Floor Tiles
You also need to be very careful with your floor tiles. Most people know about the dangers of asbestos in their walls, but did you know it can also be in your floors? If you are putting in new floors and start pulling up your tiles, it could release these fibers into your home. Even sanding the asbestos tiles is dangerous. If you have an older home, make sure you get the floor tiles tested for asbestos.
Artificial Embers Or Ashes
Do you have an older home that has a gas-fired fireplace or stove? If so, be careful, because the embers that heat up and glow in these types of fireplaces may contain a small amount of asbestos. If you have any type of gas-fueled appliance with artificial ashes or embers that is an older model, do not use it until you have it properly tested.
You can find more information by checking out a specialist's website, such as http://www.arguspacific.com.
Share10 February 2015
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