Monolithic Domes are asbestos free, but what about your home?
There are many reasons why people opt to build Monolithic Domes: their energy efficiency, low maintenance, and ability to withstand hurricanes and tornadoes. Perhaps we should add another reason to the list: the fact that we have never used asbestos when building a dome.
As you may already know, many old homes and buildings do have a hidden danger in the form of asbestos. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and a person would not be aware if they were actively inhaling this dangerous material. Multiple locations throughout older homes could be containing this substance, in addition to countless products within the home that may also be constructed of asbestos.
Ceiling insulation, tiling, flooring materials, cement board siding, wiring insulation and wall gaskets are just some of the products that have been known to contain asbestos in older homes. This material was prevalent during the 1900s and likely remains in older buildings and homes.
Understanding the Dangers
Multiple health hazards stem from asbestos exposure within older building structures. Exposure to this industrial substance causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques and other diseases. Researchers are investigating additional causal relationships that may exist with asbestos. It generally takes heavy, long-term exposure to asbestos in an occupational setting to be at risk of developing a connected condition.
Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases have limited treatment options. Standard procedures can aid a patient’s condition, but a prognosis for asbestos cancer is usually poor. The life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient is between four and 18 months, on average.
Avoiding asbestos exposure at all costs is crucial to preventing these diseases. According to government agencies and health institutions, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. If you think you were previously exposed, having regular doctor visits with X-rays and diagnostic screenings may be the best way to diagnose asbestos-related diseases in its early stages. Early diagnosis can improve treatment results and survival rates.
Steps to Take
Furthermore, if you do have a home that you suspect contains asbestos, there are certain steps that you can take to identify and remove it. A specialized and licensed asbestos abatement company should conduct this work. Asbestos abatement companies in your area can be found through local directories, online searches, or through contacting a local or state government health or environmental organization.
The presence of asbestos within an old home doesn’t always warrant removal of the substance. If asbestos is contained and is undisturbed, it could be nonthreatening. Some abatement companies may advise against removing it in this case. Attempting to remove asbestos could cause more of a health threat than leaving it in place.
Bio: Mark Hall is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. Between his interests in environmental health and his writing experience, Mark is committed to communicating relevant news and information regarding the dangers of asbestos exposure and breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatments.