It’s that time of year again: a time when homeowners begin preparing for colder temperatures and winter weather. There is much to do both inside and outside of your home, and one of the most important tasks is to inspect home heating appliances, such as furnaces and boilers, to ensure that they are in safe working order. While you are inspecting those appliances, it is advisable to determine whether or not your furnace or boiler is lined with asbestos-containing insulation. If so, it is important that consult with a professional asbestos abatement company and have the harmful product removed, as exposure to asbestos has been known to cause mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that has no cure.
Before the institution of asbestos regulations in the early eighties, asbestos products, including insulation, floor & ceiling tiles, roofing tile, drywall, and even some brands of duct tape, were widely used because of their excellent insulating abilities. However, as these asbestos products age, they may begin to corrode and can release small asbestos fibers into the air, putting individuals present in the area at risk of inhalation. In addition to the natural aging process, if asbestos materials are disturbed or damaged, they may also release fibers into the air. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can situate inside the lining of the lungs for decades before an individual may begin to experience the symptoms associated with mesothelioma (often referred to as asbestos cancer).
Prior to inspecting your furnace or boiler this winter, take note of the following:
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, as well as disposable clothing and gloves. If your furnace or boiler is surrounded by asbestos insulation, you will be taking the appropriate steps to avoid inhalation of errant fibers.
Do not disturb or remove asbestos insulation. It is advisable to leave the material in place and hire a professional asbestos abatement technician to safely and properly remove and dispose of the insulation.
Mesothelioma.com urges all homeowners to be careful of asbestos products in their home, especially asbestos insulation that may be surrounding an older furnace or boiler.
For additional information regarding asbestos exposure and the related health and safety concerns, including the eventual development of mesothelioma, please visit Mesothelioma.com.
