Protecting Your Family From Asbestos Contaminated Insulation

Perhaps you have been hearing on the news about vermiculite insulation but are not sure what it is or how to protect your family from it. Vermiculite is a mineral that is naturally-occurring and has an abundance of shiny flakes. When this material heats, it expands to as much as 30 times the original size and is fire-resistant and extremely lightweight.

It was discovered in a mine close to Libby, Montana and was sold in the United States. It was initially thought to be a very good way to insulate homes and businesses. Unfortunately, the mine that produced much of this insulation contained asbestos, so the insulation that came from the mine was contained.

My Home Has the Vermiculite Insulation - is My Family at Risk?

Of course, it has been thoroughly documented that asbestos exposure can lead to a number of very serious health concerns, including mesothelioma. Just because insulation is present in your home, however, does not mean that you are at risk, even if it tests positive for asbestos. Asbestos, if not disturbed, by such actions as tearing down a wall containing asbestos can potentially be non-threatening.

Asbestos becomes toxic when it is disturbed. For example, if you find out that your home has vermiculite insulation and is contaminated with asbestos and pull out the insulation without a professionals help. This poses more of a risk than if you had just left the insulation undisturbed.

If you find that your home does have asbestos containing insulation, leave it alone. Consult a professional.

If I Go into My Attic am I at Risk?

If you must move some things about in your attic or place items in a space having asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation, the best thing to do is call an asbestos specialist to run tests. If asbestos is present he or she can help you.

If you have been exposed to asbestos you may want to consider a mesothelioma lawsuit for damages.

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Covering Asbestos Contaminated Floor Tiles

If you watch the news, you may have heard talk about asbestos toxins and how asbestos is linked to various forms of cancer. Many people have filed lawsuits over their exposure to asbestos toxins. If they are suffering ill health due to exposure, however, no amount of compensation can replace their quality of life.

If you have an older home or even one that was built in the 1980's, have the floors tested for the presence of asbestos before you begin pulling up tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. What most people do not realize is that asbestos may be harmful even if not disturbed.

It is, therefore, vital that you have your home tested for asbestos because removing asbestos is difficult and dangerous.

Should I Really Cover the Tiles?

If you want to upgrade your home and the tiles on your floor test positive for asbestos and they are tightly installed, but you want to upgrade your home, the best way to do this may be to cover the tiles. Why? As soon as you begin pulling up tiles that contain asbestos, you are putting yourself and family at risk of toxic exposure. To remove and replace the tiles, you should consult a professional.

As an example, if you have a 1950's home with a basement that has tile or vinyl flooring that tests positive for asbestos, but is in good shape, you may be able to cover the tile with carpeting. If the tile has not been disturbed since it was installed, there may not be a reason to disturb it.

It is Possible to Pull up the Tile Though, Right?

You can have a professional that is licensed to work with asbestos remove the tile, but it may be expensive because of the precautions that must be taken. Many professionals who can do the job will advise you to cover the floor rather than pull it up. The risk of removing a floor, asbestos is that you can expose your home to a toxin that can harm you and your family. If the tile is peeled up and in bad condition, there may be no choice but to remove the tile, but a professional that is licensed can advise you on your options.

Final Thoughts

Some people have a tendency to assume that if their tile tests positive for asbestos, then it must be removed at once. More research, however, is finding that leaving it alone and not disturbing it is sometimes safer than the possible health risks of exposing your family to the toxins.

If you have suffered side effects from asbestos exposure, you should consider filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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