February 18, 2011: MANILA, Philippines—If you are planning to renovate your house built in the 1970s, you may not be aware of the danger posed by such a job in terms of financial and health costs to your family. Homes built around this time are most likely to contain asbestos in their construction.
Asbestos is a mineral substance that was once considered a “miracle mineral” when it was used in the building industry in the 1800s.
At that time, asbestos was found to be readily available and inexpensive making it an ideal substance for household construction offering many benefits with no drawbacks. It was very effective for thermal insulation, acoustic control, moisture control and it made cement strong. It was put into paints, adhesives, clay, metal ware and even appliances. It filled many needs in various ways.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is from the Greek word “asbestinon” meaning unquenchable or inextinguishable. It is a natural silicate material with thin fibrous crystals. It is a known carcinogen but is only dangerous in the form of tiny airborne fibers.
Breathing in asbestos fibers increases your risk of developing lung cancer causing asbestosis or scarring of the lungs. This may lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that afflicts people exposed to asbestos. It can develop decades after the asbestos exposure.
Asbestos in your house
One of the most common areas in your house where asbestos material may be found is in corrugated asbestos-cement sheets for roofing and for side wall panels. Many of the earlier housing projects in Metro Manila used this type of roofing material.
Other examples where asbestos hazards may be found in your house are attic and wall insulation; textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints; some vinyl floor tiles including the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives; and hot water pipes coated with asbestos material or blanket.
What to do about it?
If you suspect that you have asbestos in your house that is in good condition, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. If your renovation work will not disturb the asbestos material do not do anything. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers.
Check your house regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Look for signs of wear or damage like cracks, abrasions or water damage. Material that is disturbed by hitting, rubbing or handling may release asbestos fibers.
In some cases it is best to prevent or limit access to the area to prevent touching or disturbing it.
There are generally two things you can do if asbestos is found in your house. One is by sealing method which involves treating the material with a sealant that binds the asbestos fibers together so that no fibers are released. This is done by asbestos professionals.
The second way is by covering method which involves placing a material over the asbestos material to prevent release of fibers.
Detecting if you have asbestos in your house is not an easy task because you cannot tell if a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. If you are not sure, have the material sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional or laboratory. Taking samples yourself is not recommended.
What to remember
It’s best to minimize activities in areas where damaged materials may contain asbestos.
Avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
Do not saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials
Don’t sand or level asbestos flooring
In developed countries where asbestos has been extensively used in the construction of their buildings and homes, there are asbestos professionals who are trained in handling asbestos materials.
Asbestos is banned in the United States, the European Union, Australia, Japan and other countries. Most products made today do not contain asbestos. The few products being manufactured which still contain asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. Meanwhile, we will continue to confront the problem that the industry has left us—asbestos in many of our homes and buildings. – Amado de Jesus, Philippine Daily Inquirer
For comments or inquiries, e-mail amadodejesus@gmail.com.
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“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
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Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
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Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
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Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
