Asbestos Attic Insulation a Problem for Homeowners

Located on the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Whatcom County has housed various oil refineries, power plants and shipyards which found many uses for asbestos. These facilities relied heavily on the substance as a guard against the toxicity of chemicals often found with petroleum and machinery. Once asbestos fibers become airborne, it places workers and civilians at risk for possible exposure.

If you are a home owner and believe you may have asbestos insulation, any disturbance has the potential to release its fibers in the air. Exposure to asbestos can be prevented by taking easy precautions. With the proper knowledge and assistance from professionals, you can assure you and your family is free and clear of asbestos.

There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. Homes in Bellingham that were built prior to 1980 have a potential to harbor asbestos materials. Limiting the number of trips to the attic will help limit your exposure. It is important to meet with professional abatement contractors in order to determine what the best course of action is for your situation. A professional home inspection for potentially corrosive insulation materials is extremely important for a variety of scenarios.

Used in millions of homes throughout the twentieth century, asbestos insulation can be a big problem for homeowners because of its corrosive and health deteriorating qualities. A form of asbestos lung cancer known as pleural mesothelioma is caused through asbestos exposure. The asbestos scandal was perpetuated by the asbestos industry and various corporate sectors in the country who buried any evidence that suggested the health concerns associated with asbestos. The high amount of asbestos-related incidents has lead to Mesothelioma lawyer firms advocating for victim rights.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests:
- Asbestos insulation should be left undisturbed in your attic. 
- Limit the amount of accessories and items stored.
- Do not allow children’s access.
- If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations, hire professionals to handle asbestos to safely remove the material. Removing asbestos by yourself can potentially spread fibers throughout your home and your family will be at risk of inhaling asbestos dust.

It is not always an easy process to determine whether or not a particular insulation contains asbestos. Anyone who is unsure about the insulation in their home should have the materials in question tested. To protect your investment, professional consultants can provide an evaluation of the home. Consultants will identify material defects structures and components of the home, in adherence to or exceeding national, state, and industry regulations and standards.