In years gone by, the construction industry made a lot of use of asbestos. As a result, it was used in the construction of many homes in the past decades. However, we have since come to learn how toxic and dangerous asbestos exposure is, which means that it is no longer used within this industry. However, due to its heavy use in the past, many older homes have asbestos present.
This means that asbestos remains a hidden danger in older homes that were constructed with this material. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a host of serious health issues, including mesothelioma and lung diseases. One thing you can do is to get your older home tested for the presence of asbestos. Even if you decide not to get it removed, it will still help you to manage hazards more effectively to ensure you and your loved ones are not exposed to fibres.
In this article, we will look at some of the key reasons why asbestos testing is advisable in older homes.
Why Consider Testing
There are many reasons to get experts in to test for asbestos in your older home. Some of these are:
Protecting Health
A key reason to test for asbestos is the health risk it presents. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to severe diseases, as mentioned earlier. These illnesses can develop decades after exposure and are often fatal. Even minor disturbances, such as drilling into a wall or replacing old insulation, can release asbestos fibres into the air. Testing allows you to identify and manage these hazards before anyone is exposed.
Preventing Exposure During Renovations
Many homeowners invest in renovations to modernise or repair older homes. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common ways people are exposed to asbestos. Without proper testing, a seemingly harmless task like sanding textured ceilings or removing old linoleum flooring can release harmful fibres. Testing before you begin any renovation project ensures that you can take appropriate safety measures or hire licensed professionals to handle asbestos-containing materials.
Legal and Safety Regulations
There are strict regulations in place when it comes to the identification, removal, and disposal of asbestos. If you disturb asbestos without proper assessment and containment, you might endanger health, and you could end up breaking the law. In most areas, failing to follow these rules can result in hefty fines. Having your home professionally tested and, if necessary, having asbestos removed by a licensed contractor ensures you remain compliant with legal and safety regulations.
Improving Property Value
If you’re planning to sell your home, providing documentation that confirms asbestos testing has been conducted and any issues have been properly managed can boost buyer confidence. Property buyers are increasingly concerned about the presence of hazardous materials, especially in older homes. Knowing that asbestos risks have been assessed and addressed can make your property more attractive and might even improve its market value.
Peace of Mind
Living in an older home can be lovely, but unknown dangers like asbestos can cause a lot of anxiety. With asbestos testing, you can remove the guesswork. You’ll know exactly where asbestos is present, how stable it is, and what steps need to be taken. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially for families with young children, elderly relatives, or anyone with existing respiratory conditions.
Speak to the Experts at Asbestos Australia
If you live in an older home and would like experts to carry out asbestos testing, contact our team at Asbestos Victoria. We can provide you with peace of mind and protection with our services. Call us today for further information.