No one could miss those advertisements on T.V. touting those lawyers who can deal with the hazard of asbestos. If you have asbestos in your home and if it’s disturbed, you may breathe in the fibers that are released. If you do, you may contract mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity. Or you may develop asbestosis, scarring of the lungs.

Symptoms of these illnesses may not show up for 20 to 30 after exposure. Both of these may become fatal.

Asbestos was used in the past in a lot of products to make them stronger and more fire resistant. It’s a mineral fiber that requires a special kind of microscope to identify.

Today, asbestos can be found in some shingles that are made of asbestos cement. Houses built between 1930 and 1950 could have asbestos as insulation. Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves may have asbestos in them as fire-proofing. Hot water and steam pipes in some older homes may have asbestos in the insulation around them.

Insulation in your attic in very cold climates may have vermiculite-based insulation. This could contain asbestos. You should make sure about this.

If you do have this type of insulation in your attic, you may be exposed to the hazard of asbestos. Be sure you don’t disturb this type of insulation and don’t attempt to remove it. Also be sure no children are allowed in the attic. Seal all cracks and holes in the ceiling of rooms below the attic. Apply caulk to light fixtures that may allow insulation to fall through.

Keep in mind there may have been some insulation that has fallen inside the walls of your house. Seal around windows and door frames, along baseboards, around electrical outlets.

Should you try removing the asbestos in your house? No. In fact, if the asbestos is in good shape, leave it alone. There is less chance of airborne fibers that way. But keep in mind asbestos containing material can break down over time. This can release fibers that can then be breathed.

Always hire a professional to remove asbestos that must be removed. This will decrease the hazard of asbestos to you and your family.

If you choose to remove the asbestos that may be in your insulation, there are options you can choose from to replace it. Weathertight Sprayfoam can assure you gain the most from the benefits of spray foam insulation, including using a professional applicator to apply it. Weathertight Spray Foam in Gilford, NH, is one of the best in the area. Contact them at 603-343-3266 to schedule an appointment to discuss their services.