​Are you interested in purchasing an old home to fix up? If you are, its important to be aware of the many hazards associated with older construction such as building materials we now know to be dangerous.  One of those materials is asbestos.  In this article we will take a brief look at what it is and why it can be so bad.
 
Up until the 1970’s asbestos was used in different areas of construction.  It is a mineral fiber which was added to building materials to provide extra strength.  It is also a good heat insulator and offers fire resistance.  We can see why it was a popular product to use before any of the dangers were widely known. 
 
What are the dangers associated with asbestos?  Prolonged exposure to asbestos has resulted in some very serious health problems.  Mesothelioma which is a form of lung cancer and a scarring of the lungs known as Asbestosis, are some of the illnesses caused by asbestos.  This happens as a result of breathing in asbestos fibers which are very small.  These fibers can stay in the lungs for a long time.  If you are fixing up an old home that contains asbestos, its likely you will disturb it in some way either by sanding, scraping or even just the general handling of it, thus increasing your risk of exposure to its small fibers which can be released into the air and breathed in.
 
Asbestos is not something you should try to remove yourself and if you suspect that the home has it, you should consult with a professional who is qualified to remove it.  If you are worried or uncertain whether asbestos was used in your old home, why not have it inspected?  This way you can know for sure and plan the next steps to take.

​On occasion, the need may arise to enter a crawlspace under the home.  This is not generally the most pleasant space to enter as its usually a damp, dark place that goes undisturbed for long periods of time.  This unpleasant environment can also have a number of hidden dangers that anyone entering should be aware of.  What kinds of dangers are we talking about?  Here are a few:
 
All of the above-mentioned conditions that are unpleasant to humans can be the ideal place for mold and fungi to grow.  Standing water or sewage could also be found in an under-home crawlspace.  These are all problems that come with known health risks.
 
Rodents, insects or other animals are another issue you might encounter.  There is a real need for caution with this as some creatures might be poisonous or dangerous, especially if they start to feel threatened or cornered and it would also be very difficult to move out of the way in such a tight space.
 
If you are concerned that the home may have some structural problems it is important that you do not enter the crawlspace.  Instead, have a professional come and perform an inspection on the home to make sure you don’t put yourself at risk.
 
If you decide that it is necessary for you to enter the under crawlspace of the home, make sure you wear the proper protective equipment and clothing so that you avoid being exposed to whatever may be down there.  It is also extremely important that someone else knows you are down there and what you are doing so that they are available to raise an alarm if you run into problems.