By Marikor Hidalgo
Millions of building structures from residential homes to commercial spaces had two components only known to be dangerous decades after they were manufactured and used. Lead and asbestos were popular ingredients for construction materials. But since the 1970s up to present times, government agencies halted production of such materials due to the health and environmental risks these elements produce. Inspections are also mandatory for public infrastructures. However, potential home buyers should also take into account probable existence of these elements in the property they are buying, especially if it is an older one.
Children who have been exposed to lead had stunted physical and mental development in children. The element plagues approximately 310,000 children in the US annually. These children were found to have alarming levels of lead in their blood. Some had experienced chronic to severe anemia. This illness in turn can cause oxygen deficiency, which could possibly trigger underlying pulmonary and heart conditions. Adults on the other hand had poor muscle coordination and became irritable after exposure to lead. Long-term health risks associated with lead exposure include having damaged renal, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems.
Lead was commonly found in older properties through paint, pipes and solder. Any surface and item that were painted plus the plumbing must be looked upon detecting lead presence. Soil surrounding the house may also have traces of the element.
The US National Cancer Institute stated that asbestos is a human carcinogen - a substance that causes cancer. The EWG Action Fund research had reported that around 10,000 Americans die yearly due to diseases caused by asbestos. The most common reason is mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer in the lung lining and chest wall. Exposure to the asbestos-containing material might also lead to triggering or worsening lung cancer and abdominal cancer. It is also known to cause lung tissue to scar, which eventually restricts proper inhalation.
Asbestos was a popular ingredient in making diverse and fundamental construction materials. Cement sheeting, drainage and flue pipes, roofing, guttering and flexible building boards, insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials and floor tiles are some asbestos-based materials. These materials would be found almost in all parts of the home where there is insulation and walling.
Further testing and removal of these substances are highly crucial to have healthy living conditions at home. Home testing kits for both elements are available in the market. But while such option may be cheaper and more convenient for you, the results may not be accurate 100%. Bring samples to a credible laboratory testing facility. Or you could initially hire a licensed contractor to detect lead and/or asbestos in the property.
Removing lead-based paints or replacing asbestos materials should be taken with extreme precaution. Tiny particles or fibers can scatter all over your home through air, thus making the elements harder to control. Rather seek assistance from your local health or environmental agency for a licensed contractor referral. Professional crews are equipped with tools and techniques to safely eliminate these substances from your home. For example, a rigid step-by-step procedure is necessary to scrape off, seal or enclose lead-based paint in surfaces. Asbestos materials would only be harmful if asbestos fibers are released. Otherwise intact materials need not be stripped down. A professional knows better if such material is still intact or needs to be replaced.
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