How to recognize and dispose of dangerous materials discovered while remodeling your home
There are many potential hazards in older homes that could pop up during a remodel. However, a majority of these potential really depend upon the age of the building in question.
One hazard is asbestos. Asbestos usually can be identified in insulation and fire retardants. Asbestos was also used in tile, siding, and adhesives. In the United States there are no houshold products made from asbestos. In other parts of the world we are not so lucky.
Asbestos is especially dangerous when it is friable or in small pieces. The testing and removal of asbestos is best left to professionals. Abatement of asbestos is expensive, but your health is priceless.
Lead is another material that was commonly used in construction. As a matter of fact, plumbing means working in lead. All the pipes in Rome where made of lead. Most likely in a house remodel you will find lead in pipe joints and lead in paint.
Again the removal of lead is best left to professionals. There are many documented long term health risks associated with lead.
Construction itself has many hazards. It is important to follow all the guidelines for wearing personal protective equipment or PPE. A good source for safety lectures Continue reading ‘How to recognize and dispose of dangerous materials discovered while remodeling your home’ »
