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What to do if you are Buying or Selling a Property with Asbestos

 

If you’re in the process of buying and selling a property and find asbestos, it may generate sentiments of fear. But finding asbestos isn’t always a deal-breaker. Learn what asbestos is, why it can be a hazard in certain circumstances, what to do if asbestos is discovered in a property.

 

 

Is Asbestos Harmful?

Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was once commonly used as a flame retardant strengthening agent providing heat insulation in various building materials. From 1930 – 1980, asbestos was especially prevalent in a range of property building materials including but not limited to;

 

~ Roofing materials

 

~ Insulation

 

~ Flooring Tiles

 

~ Ceiling materials

 

~ Cement products

 

~ Textured Paint

 

~ Patching & joint compounds

 

~ Vinyl Sheet Flooring

 

~ Hot water & steam pipes

 

However its widespread usage faced significant regulatory scrutiny due to it’s associated health risks.
In December 1998 a ban was implemented on asbestos, extending until December 2003. This measure was enforced due to manufacturers’ failure to adequately decontaminate their facilities, this ban is still in place today.
Despite the ban, asbestos remains a concern due to it’s presence in older buildings and the potential risk it poses to human health.

Is Asbestos Harmful?

Asbestos can be harmful when disrupted, causing abrasions on the lungs when inhaled. Exposure to large doses or for long periods has been linked to an elevated risk of lung cancer, specifically, mesothelioma and asbestosis. After the potential harm was discovered, manufacturers stopped using asbestos in building materials, but the asbestos is still commonly found in homes predating the 1980s.

 

Asbestos is only harmful when disturbed, damaged, or in deteriorating condition. If asbestos is in good condition or undisturbed, the asbestos fibres do not become airborne, thus eliminating the potential hazard asbestos can cause.
What to do if you find Asbestos in a Property

 

1. Do not disturb the asbestos (including vacuuming, sweeping, or attempting to remove the asbestos yourself).

 

2. Contact a professional inspector to assess the hazard and presence.

 

3. Have a licensed professional complete any remediation or abatement work.

 

Finding asbestos in a property is fairly common, considering its broad use in home construction and building materials for such a long period of time. Rather than fearing it, be informed on how to deal with it. And if you’re the buyer, you can use the costs of any potential remediation or abatement as a negotiating tool

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