Does asbestos in a home automatically mean danger?
I've heard that most homes built between the years 1930 and 1970 were built with products that contain asbestos. I'm looking to purchase a cheap manuf...
I've heard that most homes built between the years 1930 and 1970 were built with products that contain asbestos. I'm looking to purchase a cheap manufactured home, or pretty much anything I can find that is small and low-priced to fix up a little and live in during my college years. If I happened to find one of these older homes, would staying in it for a year or two put my significant other and I at risk for cancer? Or is it only dangerous if you inhale the asbestos fibers? I'm confused as to whether or not if it's a danger for us to be living in a place where movement(walking around, playing music) can shake loose pieces of asbestos fiber from the cieling and/or walls...or is that just silly? Please enlighten me, someone. It would be greatly appreciated.
First, most homes built during that period do not contain asbestos. In fact, it was better homes that are more likely to have it. If found in an old house these days it is in the siding, floor tile, or linoleum where the likelihood of exposure is very small. There will be very few old boiler type heating systems left. It is asbestos that gets into the air through renovation or intentional disturbance that is the biggest danger. Music and movement will not do it unless it is damaged. If intact, there is very little danger. Again, you are not likely to find it. If you are buying a home, you should have inspections done so you know what is present in the house before you buy it. Any areas you renovate after that, should be tested. In a home, radon gas is a much bigger danger and also should be tested before buying. Bottom line, unless an inspection finds DAMAGED or EXCESSIVE asbestos, don’t let it be a deal breaker. Maybe a way to lower the price, yes.
After a year you will be in great danger of cancer. Personally i would not move anywhere near asbestos ever since the scientists discovered it was cancerous.