Health Tip: Asbestos Tips For Homeowners

(HealthDay News) -- Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is found in rock and salt. The fibers are strong and heat-resistant, so they have been used in construction materials for insulation and to prevent the spread of fire.

But the fibers can be released into the air during demolition and building repair, increasing a person's risk of developing lung disease.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers these do's and don'ts for homeowners:

  • Do leave undamaged asbestos alone.
  • Do limit children's access to any materials that may contain asbestos.
  • Do have removal or repair done by people trained in handling asbestos.
  • Don't dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
  • Don't saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in asbestos.
  • Don't use abrasive materials to strip wax from asbestos flooring.
  • Don't sand or remove asbestos flooring. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floor over the old.
  • Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Many Kids Unnecessarily Hospitalized Following Allergic Reactions

    How to Tell if Spring Symptoms Owe to Allergy, Cold or Something More Serious

    Misconceptions Over Preventing Peanut Allergy Persist Among Parents, Study Shows

    Seasonal Allergies Might Increase Suicide Rate, Study Says

    Pediatric Allergy Specialist: Feed Babies Allergenic Foods Earlier, Not Later

    New Discovery Could Change How Asthma Is Treated, Scientists Say

    Racial Gap Exists For Asthma Inhaler Use

    Wildfire Smoke Alters Immune System, Study Says

    Heavy 'Forever Chemical' Exposure Before Birth Increases Childhood Asthma Risk, Study Finds

    GLP-1 Drugs Help Quell Asthma Among Teens Who Are Overweight or Obese

    The Flu Vaccine Can Lower Your Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke — Even If You Wind Up Infected

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'

    New Flu Strain Weakened This Year’s Vaccine Protection, CDC Says

    Sepsis, Lung Infection Patients See No Benefit From Remote Monitoring