If you are planning to refurbish your home or sell it away, this article is for you. Many people are unaware of the importance of carrying out an environmental investigation especially when it comes to testing for asbestos and mold. Before you proceed with any of these plans, it is essential that you keep yourself and your loved ones safe no matter what. Hiring professionals to carry out these tests might not be the first thing that comes to your mind, but it is nevertheless highly important. This is especially so if your property was built before the year 2000 because there is a higher chance that you might find asbestos in your home.
Asbestos Testing
A wise and effective investor will know that due diligence before the purchase of a property is crucial for long term success in the real estate market. It will only serve to benefit the seller and buyer for buildings to be tested for asbestos before any transaction is made. Asbestos is a group of 6 different minerals that have been deemed harmful but still remains legal in the United States. Asbestos is made up of needle-like fibers that can be found in many materials in the home. Asbestos can be found in insulating materials such as wiring, roof shingles and siding. However, it has been studied to be harmful to our health whenever the fibers are disturbed and propelled into the air. The fibers can become airborne and get lodged in our lungs, making it very difficult to remove. Asbestos poisoning can manifest in many symptoms, including unexplained coughing and chest pain. In more serious cases, it can also cause mesothelioma and even lung cancer.
Mold Testing
Although not many people know this, toxic mold is more common than you would think. Not all mold that is found in your home is dangerous, but toxic black mold might not be that hard to find. Mold growth can occur in any home, as long as there are preferable conditions that are humid and warm enough for the mold to grow. Mold exposure is caused by the breathing in of the mold spores in the air. Being exposed to mold can mean that there is a higher chance of getting allergies that present themselves in cold symptoms or rashes on the skin. However, it can also cause serious health complications like neurological problems and chronic headaches. If you are planning to rent out your home or renovate it, mold testing can help you to ascertain whether there is a presence of mold. If there is, you can choose to remediate the situation and reduce the risks of structural damage that is caused by water and mold. As such, testing for mold before you sell your home can help protect you from any liabilities in the future.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, you should definitely hire professionals to test for mold and asbestos in your home because these things can be extremely harmful to our bodies and cause serious health problems in the future. It is only wise to do such testing because it is a win-win situation for you. If there is no mold, you will be able to enjoy peace of mind. However, if there is indeed toxic mold or asbestos found in your property, you can then choose your next best course of action.