During the summer, many homeowners and business owners think about making improvements to their properties. Many people plan to
undertake their own labour, such as mowing the grass with an electric lawn mower or repainting the kitchen cabinetry. Before you start
working on a property, you should be aware of the potential problems that may arise if mould or asbestos is discovered.
Mold and asbestos are both dangerous to one’s health, as well as the construction of the building and its resale value. The following are
some suggestions for dealing with the finding of mould or asbestos in your home.
Do Mold and Asbestos Pose a Risk?
Mold and asbestos are both dangerous to one’s respiratory health. Mold can clog nasal passages, irritate the throat and eyes, and trigger
skin responses in certain people. Mold is particularly dangerous to those who have breathing and lung problems, such as asthma and
other chronic lung diseases.
Mold must be removed as soon as possible if it is discovered in your home or place of business. To prevent mould from recurring in the
future, the moisture problem that caused it must be resolved.
Asbestos is a hazardous substance that is still used today in fireproofing and roofing. As a result of health warnings given in the 1970s
regarding the relationship between asbestos and lung cancer and other chronic respiratory diseases, rigorous standards on how asbestos
can be utilised have been established.
DIYers and contractors hired to remodel or refurbish buildings, on the other hand, must be aware that asbestos is likely to be discovered
in roofing tiles or places that require fireproofing. This includes interior chimneys, garbage chutes, and other parts of a property or
structure that are prone to fire.
Mold and Asbestos Detection in a Building
Mold is frequently detected when carpets are lifted, walls are knocked down, or bathroom tiles are removed. The material is occasionally
discovered on window frames and ceiling corners. In these situations, the mould should be removed, and the source of moisture should
be identified and fixed to prevent it from returning.
Mold may be recognised both visually and olfactorily. Mold can be detected by a musty, mildewy odour, which can be found under carpets
or behind furniture on walls.
Mold may be found in a number of forms. Mold in houses is often grey or black in colour and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Mold testing is recommended if you are concerned that the mould detected in your home is harmful. To prevent the spread of the
disease, further measures should be taken, such as donning protective clothes and enclosing the area with poly sheeting.
Asbestos is more difficult to detect, and when the fibres are exposed, it becomes hazardous. If your house or workplace was built before
1980, asbestos is likely to be present in a variety of places, from the ceilings to the flooring and below.
Knowing where to look for asbestos, such as bathrooms, basements, and roofs, is an important aspect of identifying asbestos. Asbestos-
containing goods usually have a slightly dimpled texture and an uneven surface. It’s also crucial to remember that asbestos provides no
immediate danger as long as the components that contain it are in excellent working order.
Getting Rid of Mold and Asbestos in Your Home and Preventing It From Coming Back
Mold may be removed from non-porous objects like walls, doors, and window frames by wiping the surface with an over-the-counter
mould control agent. After that, a mould and mildew inhibitor should be applied to the area.
Mold is more difficult to remove from porous surfaces like carpets and wood frames. The damaged sections may need to be properly
cleaned or removed and replaced in such cases. Protective gear, such as face masks and gloves, should be used when removing mold-
affected goods. To avoid the spread of spores, mouldy objects should be double-bagged and the area blocked off.
To avoid the mould returning, the source of the mould (such as leaks or humidity levels above 70%) must be addressed before any
objects are replaced. Leaks should be repaired as quickly as possible, and high humidity levels can be reduced by using a dehumidifier or
increasing airflow in affected areas.
Although finding asbestos might be frightening, it is vital not to panic. Asbestos-containing materials in excellent condition should be left in
situ and monitored for degradation on a regular basis, as there is no immediate threat.
If asbestos-containing materials are in bad condition or need to be removed, it is strongly recommended that this job be done by experts
with the necessary expertise, experience, and tools. Dusted, swept, vacuumed, sawn into, sanded, or scraped, asbestos-containing
materials are never a good idea. Any of these actions will produce small fibres that, if breathed, might cause serious respiratory problems.
