Before Renovating a Home in South Florida, Have It Tested for Asbestos

Home renovations may expose workers to asbestos.

Older homes often make great candidates for renovations and rebuilds. Many custom home builders purchase older homes that have fallen into disrepair or foreclosure, then demolish the existing structures or extensively renovate them. Likewise, house-flippers and investors may try to spruce up older homes. For safety, these companies and individuals should hire leading asbestos abatement south florida firms to test the structures for asbestos and to eliminate the substance if discovered, as many older houses contain asbestos in flooring, walls, roofing, ventilation and other areas. This asbestos could pose serious dangers to the health of those people working on the renovations and demolitions if disturbed.

In cities across South Florida such as West Palm Beach, companies offer asbestos testing and asbestos remediation services for commercial clients and residential customers alike. Construction companies, property managers, homebuyers and homeowners can search for businesses that perform asbestos removal west palm beach services by going on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing. Before hiring such a firm to remove asbestos from a house, apartment building, townhouse or other structure, check to see if the company has a current license to perform the work. The state licenses companies in the asbestos abatement industry.

Asbestos fibers become particularly hazardous when they get dislodged and become airborne. People working on a structure may unknowingly ingest or inhale these unseen fibers, leading to severe and even potentially fatal health problems years or decades later. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, among other conditions.  

Palm Beach County Ranks High in Asbestos-Related Deaths

With its many retirees, Florida leads the way in asbestos-related deaths.

A report last year listed Palm Beach County's asbestos-related death rate the highest in the state. Although the county did not earn this dubious distinction through negligence, wrongdoing or anything else negative, the report, by EWG Action Fund, reminds us of the ever-present danger of asbestos in our homes, in public buildings and in other structures. The County likely has such a high death rate from asbestos-related ailments due to the large number of retirees who relocate to the area. Residents in the locations like West Palm Beach, Wellington, the Acreage, Royal Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton may want to consider hiring asbestos abatement palm beach companies to inspect their properties and homes for the presence of asbestos.

Asbestos removal south florida businesses specialize in identifying asbestos in roofing, drywall, flooring, insulation and other building components and eliminating this health risk. These companies securely and swiftly rid people's homes and workplaces of asbestos, helping customers feel relieved and safe again. Do some background research on asbestos abatement businesses before you hire one to make sure it's licensed, insured and reputable.

Asbestos, a highly durable and toxic fiber once commonly used in many industries and building trades, often causes health problems years or decades after a person has inhaled or ingested it. Workers who worked in shipbuilding, industrial construction, insulation and roofing among other trades may have greater risks of developing asbestos-related health conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Military veterans often have greater risks of developing these conditions as well.

Asbestos Remains a Danger to South Florida Residents and Workers

Many older buildings across the South Florida region, as well as many homes in the area, contain a lethal danger, silently lurking in drywall, pipes, flooring, ventilation and other components. Asbestos, a dangerous compound once commonly used in building materials, has caused thousands of cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other ailments across the United States and around the world, including a sizable number here in South Florida. Workers demolishing or renovating old structures or tearing up old roads risk exposure to this toxic substance. Before beginning demolitions or renovations, homeowners and companies should consider hiring a qualified, licensed and experienced asbestos abatement south florida business to safely eliminate all traces of asbestos from the structure.

Unfortunately, asbestos has joined a list of other toxic substances lurking in people's homes, such as lead-based paints. Many homes and other buildings across South Florida, including the Palm Beaches, the Treasure Coast, Broward County and Miami-Dade County, contain lead-based paint that could endanger children, adults and pets. People who suspect that their homes or workplaces may contain lead should consider hiring a lead removal palm beach company to eliminate this hazard.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can cause serious health problems, including different forms of cancer and respiratory problems. Each year, thousands of people get diagnosed with mesothelioma, and often-fatal form of cancer that affects the lungs, the stomach and the heart, among other organs. Asbestosis, in other conditions linked to the inhalation of asbestos, can cause severe shortness of breath along with inflammation and scarring of the lungs.