Discovering asbestos in your newly purchased house can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing in the past. It can cause serious health problems when inhaled, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
If you have found asbestos in your new home, it's important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others who may be living in or visiting the property. Here are some steps you should take:
Get a professional assessment: Hire a licensed asbestos inspector to evaluate the extent and condition of the asbestos in your home. They will identify where the asbestos is located and determine whether it poses a risk to your health.
Develop a plan for managing the asbestos: Depending on the condition and location of the asbestos, your inspector may recommend removal or encapsulation. Encapsulation involves sealing the asbestos with a special coating to prevent it from releasing fibers into the air. If removal is recommended, it's important to hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor who is trained to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials.
Notify the appropriate parties: If you have discovered asbestos in your new home, you should notify your insurance company, your real estate agent, and the previous homeowner. They may be required to disclose the presence of asbestos in the property during the sale, and you may be able to seek legal recourse if they failed to do so.
Take precautions: Until the asbestos is properly managed or removed, it's important to take precautions to minimize your exposure to it. Avoid disturbing any materials that may contain asbestos, and avoid doing any renovation or construction work that could release asbestos fibers into the air. If you must be in the area where the asbestos is located, wear protective clothing and a respirator mask.
Dealing with asbestos in your new home can be a complicated and potentially expensive process, but it's essential to protect your health and the health of those around you. By taking the appropriate steps to manage or remove the asbestos, you can ensure that your home is safe and free from this hazardous material.
For more in-depth information follow this link.
Comments