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Especially look for asbestos which is dangerous, since exposure to this hazardous mineral can cause mesothelioma. Class-action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of people that developed this rare illness because they were exposed to asbestos on the workplace in the past decades.
It is a fact: Once you own a home you'll get the urge to make home improvements. The most common and the one that actually adds the most value to your house is kitchen renovation. The kitchen is the heart of the home for most people, especially if you are into cooking, like most of this website’s visitors.
Renovation can go from simple “refreshing” the walls with paint, something you could do yourself, to a complete demolition and reconstruction. After you decide what your project is going to be, you set up your budget, look for new appliances and cabinets, chose granite for your counters, colors for the walls, and contact the contractors. But wait, before you start, do you really know what you are getting into?
If you live in an old house or condominium there could be hidden problems you have to investigate before starting the job. Construction standards were completely different 40, 30, or even 20 years ago and you maybe headed for some big troubles if you don’t check. I am not talking about bad plumbing or electrical that could involve more work than expected. The three major problems you could find are: asbestos, mold, and lead.
You may have lived for years side by side with three major hazards and never noticed or be affected by them. But what happens when you start demolishing and you disturb the status quo? Do not over-react, don’t panic, but is better to be careful in advance than be sorry later, especially if you will be living in the house while the construction work is done. Let’s examine these problems one by one.
It is a fact: Once you own a home you'll get the urge to make home improvements. The most common and the one that actually adds the most value to your house is kitchen renovation. The kitchen is the heart of the home for most people, especially if you are into cooking, like most of this website’s visitors.
Renovation can go from simple “refreshing” the walls with paint, something you could do yourself, to a complete demolition and reconstruction. After you decide what your project is going to be, you set up your budget, look for new appliances and cabinets, chose granite for your counters, colors for the walls, and contact the contractors. But wait, before you start, do you really know what you are getting into?
If you live in an old house or condominium there could be hidden problems you have to investigate before starting the job. Construction standards were completely different 40, 30, or even 20 years ago and you maybe headed for some big troubles if you don’t check. I am not talking about bad plumbing or electrical that could involve more work than expected. The three major problems you could find are: asbestos, mold, and lead.
You may have lived for years side by side with three major hazards and never noticed or be affected by them. But what happens when you start demolishing and you disturb the status quo? Do not over-
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We are not responsible for the opinion expressed in the articles. These web pages do NOT provide medical advice. The content displayed is designed to inform. Under no circumstance is it meant to replace the expert care and advice of a qualified physician. The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a site visitor and his/her physician. Any proposed step should be discussed with an expert, your doctor or other medical practitioner before being taken. The material on this website was written to provide information only. The information is not designed to take the place of a doctor's instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care. The authors disclaim any responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the information presented on this website.
Living in an old house? Check for asbestos before starting any major construction. Asbestos is a dangerous mineral and extended exposure can cause mesothelioma.
If you live in an old house or condominium look for hidden problems before starting any construction project.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral widely used in construction until the 1980s. It is generally found in insulation, pipes, and plaster of residential buildings. Asbestos is dangerous because it breaks down into microscopic fibers. If inhaled can disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs, and can cause a deadly disease by the name of Mesothelioma. When remodeling the kitchen of an old house you could find asbestos as a component of chimney pipes, in the ceiling plaster and in the attic as thermal insulation.
Asbestos is a mineral widely used in construction until the 1980s. It is generally found in insulation, pipes, and plaster of residential buildings. Asbestos is dangerous because it breaks down into microscopic fibers. If inhaled can disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs, and can cause a deadly disease by the name of Mesothelioma. When remodeling the kitchen of an old house you could find asbestos as a component of chimney pipes, in the ceiling plaster and in the attic as thermal insulation.
Removing asbestos
Asbestos in pipes and in plaster is encapsulated in the cement and is not going anywhere until you start breaking it apart. Asbestos in insulation could be the most insidious, because in many cases is loose within the fibers of the insulating padding. The microscopic particles of asbestos could be released into the air where they can be inhaled, just by touching these materials.
If you think the house contains asbestos, take a sample and have it tested by an EPA approved lab. For more information contact your local authorities or go to the EPA website at this address: http://www.epa.gov/region02/faq/asbfaq.htm. If you discover you have asbestos and you have to proceed with your remodeling work, hire an asbestos certified contractor to remove it properly.
Read here about mold and lead related problems
If you think the house contains asbestos, take a sample and have it tested by an EPA approved lab. For more information contact your local authorities or go to the EPA website at this address: http://www.epa.gov/region02/faq/asbfaq.htm. If you discover you have asbestos and you have to proceed with your remodeling work, hire an asbestos certified contractor to remove it properly.
Read here about mold and lead related problems